[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      A TRIBUTE TO AL ECHOLS, ESQ.

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                          HON. ROBERT A. BRADY

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2007

  Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Al Echols, 
Esq., a Philadelphia legend who after serving 44 years as the executive 
director of North City Congress has announced his retirement.
  Under the leadership of Mr. Echols, North City Congress has remained 
a valued institution meeting the changing needs of a changing community 
in North Philadelphia. During its first decade North City Congress 
represented a federation of neighborhood organizations committed to 
positive community change.
  North City Congress later became a vital social service agency. 
Today, the agency operates two senior citizens centers that offer 
meals, social, recreational and cultural activities and in-home 
management services for the frail and home-bound. It also offers 
financial management and estate planning for seniors and fiscal 
management and technical assistance for community-based organizations.
  Mr. Echols, a graduate of Virginia Union University and the Howard 
University Law School, marshaled his considerable acumen in the 
struggle to gain political power for African Americans in Philadelphia. 
In 1971, he was a council-at-large candidate on the Thatcher Longstreth 
Republican ticket in a hard fought race against Democrat Frank Rizzo.
  Known for his wit, Mr. Echols is fiercely opinionated and a political 
sage with whom one cannot have a brief conversation. Not only does he 
love to explain the nuances of his points of view he punctuates his 
conversations with a laugh that can shake the grand mansion that houses 
North City Congress.
  As he retires, Al Echols leaves an indelible stamp of good will, 
principled leadership and service.

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