[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 108 (Wednesday, July 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING AND HONORING THE LIFE OF ALBERT OWENS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 21, 2010

  Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the wonderful 
life and accomplishments of Albert Owens with sadness as I mourn his 
passing. Mr. Owens, one of the first African-Americans to leave his 
indelible mark on the entertainment industry, recently passed away due 
to illness at St. Luke's Hospital in New York City. He was sixty-one 
years of age.
  Albert began his career as a founding member of the Charles Unicycle 
Riders. He gained national recognition in 1965, after appearing as a 
guest on the hit television show ``I've Got a Secret.'' Albert and his 
group eventually became the Ringling Bros. first African-American 
troupe, changing their name to the `King Charles Troupe.' He also 
performed acts with the Barnum & Bailey Circus among many others, and 
reached a new level of national fame.
  Yet, Albert's roots remained grounded as his determination to assist 
his hometown never wavered. When not traveling and performing, he was a 
devoted family man who returned home to his Bronx community to continue 
his work as a volunteer. Albert worked tirelessly to counsel the city's 
youth with the YMCA, using the unicycle as a tool to engage young 
people and help them build stronger character. He mentored the next 
generation up until his passing, never swaying from his resolve to 
provide the blueprint for success which they can all follow.
  Albert Owens was a man of devotion with a commitment to service. 
Despite his well-earned famed and his standing within the entertainment 
industry, he always put the needs of his community and the hopes and 
dreams of others before his own. Albert was a man of many talents and 
friends. I am honored to say that he was a friend to the city of New 
York.

                          ____________________