[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 74 (Thursday, May 26, 2011)]
[Senate]
[Page S3422]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO BERNARD ``C.B.'' KIMMONS

 Mr. CASEY. Mr. President, today I honor Bernard ``C.B.'' 
Kimmons for his life of service and courageous commitment to preventing 
gang and drug violence at all costs.
  C.B. was born in Atlantic City, NJ, on February 13, 1944. Though he 
originally hails from the Garden State, he came to spend much of his 
life within the city of Philadelphia, graduating from three 
Philadelphia area schools: Cardinal Dougherty High School, Saint 
Joseph's University, and Temple University Graduate School.
  After earning his teaching degree, he further solidified his 
commitment to Philadelphia by spending 16 years teaching in Ogontz, at 
General Louis Wagner Junior High. During his tenure at Wagner, he was 
disheartened to see that many of his students fell victim to social 
pressures that led to them join gangs. C.B. quickly became an 
eyewitness to gang-related violence. He knew that his students needed 
guidance before they became lost within the harsh realities of gang 
life. As a leader and a role model within the community, he took it 
upon himself to fulfill this need. He began to educate his students 
about the dangers of joining gangs with a simple message of respecting 
law enforcement, parents, clergy, teachers, adults, and fellow young 
people. His message quickly caught on, and many of his students still 
remember his influential teaching style.
  It was this innovative approach that caught the attention of the 
Philadelphia school district, under Superintendent Dr. Constance 
Clayton. C.B. eventually began teaching in different schools across the 
district under a special antidrug, antiviolence curriculum, many times 
teaching in up to 15 different schools a week. His message against 
bullying, guns, drugs, and violence spread across the city and 
continues to affect countless lives today.
  It was during this time that Bernard was given the nickname of ``Cool 
Bernie'' or C.B. within some of the rougher neighborhoods he worked. 
This nickname has grown to illustrate the close nature of his 
relationships with his students as well as his acceptance as a role 
model and community figurehead. He goes by that name to this day.
  In addition to his work in the public schools, C.B. was also an 
active volunteer through numerous activities within Philadelphia. In 
1967, he served as a citywide gang control worker under the guidance of 
Zachary Clayton. He then met Dr. Herman Wrice who became his mentor 
when he joined Mantua Against Drugs. C.B. and Dr. Wrice traveled around 
Philadelphia trying to clear the streets of gangs and drug dealers to 
ensure that young adults had a safe haven from violence and drugs in 
troubled neighborhoods. C.B.'s commitment to Mantua Against Drugs 
continues today; he currently serves as the organization's executive 
director. From his first taste of volunteerism, C.B. knew he found his 
passion. He wanted to change the world.
  In addition to these efforts, C.B. has personally made himself 
available to children within the city of Philadelphia through numerous 
activities. He provides free drug counseling and recently started a 
multitiered program offering computer skills, document framing, photo-
journalism, entrepreneur training, and newsletter creation as an 
alternative to violent gang behavior. He also leads vigils for young 
adults who were killed as a direct result of gang related violence.
  While C.B.'s efforts to lessen the impact of drug dealers have 
received considerable praise, they have also attracted the attention of 
those that would prefer the status quo remain unchanged. On more than 
one occasion C.B. has had threats against his own life and has been 
forced to seek police protection. Despite these efforts to undermine 
his work, C.B. persevered and still today continues to aggressively 
pursue change within our community.
  C.B. has been honored for his work by countless organizations and 
agencies across the city of Philadelphia and the country. These honors 
include Time Magazine Local Philadelphia Hero; recognition by the 
Martin Luther King Center in Atlanta, GA; a 2010 Drum Major Award for 
Peace given by the Council of Black Clergy of Philadelphia; University 
of Pennsylvania's Martin Luther King Award for Community Service and 
Outreach; winner of University of Pennsylvania's Crystal Stair Award; 
the Hero of Peace Award given by Veterans Against Drugs; and the 
Humanitarian Award given by the Four Chaplains at the U.S. Naval Base. 
He has also been featured on CNN for his school-based role model 
program.
  Throughout all of his work, C.B.'s efforts have focused on ensuring 
that children have a chance to succeed despite the challenges and 
obstacles they face on a daily basis. C.B. has saved numerous lives and 
continues to protect children of all ages from the ravages he first saw 
in his early teaching days. As a result of C.B. Kimmons' hard work, 
children across Philadelphia are given a chance to succeed and reach 
their potential.
  It is my pleasure to stand today before my colleagues to recognize 
Bernard ``C.B.'' Kimmons'' sacrifices, achievements, and ongoing 
commitment toward bettering the lives of our youth.

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