[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 149 (Friday, October 9, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. JOSEPH YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BOBBY L. RUSH

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 9, 2015

  Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to and honor the 
life and legacy of Mr. Joseph Young who made his heavenly transition on 
Wednesday, September 23, 2015. A native of Chicago, Illinois, Joseph 
was the fifth of eight children born to the union of the late Willie 
Frank Young and Margaret Elizabeth Lindly.
   Joseph relocated to New Orleans in 1965, where he would meet his 
future wife Perry, while she was matriculating at Dillard University. 
Upon returning to Chicago, Joseph answered the call to serve his 
country in the United States Army, where he would serve a tour of duty 
in the Republic of Vietnam before being discharged with the rank of 
Sergeant in 1970. Joseph and Perry were united in holy matrimony on 
July 18, 1970 and to this union, one son, Damon Avery, was born and 
their second son, Jimmy Myu, was adopted.
   Mr. Speaker, throughout his life, Mr. Young served in positions of 
leadership. Whether serving as President of the Foster Park Community 
Council, organizing two separate little league baseball teams, or 
serving in a political capacity as Field Director for former 
Congressman Harold Washington's mayoral campaign in 1983 and Illinois 
State Director for the 1992 Clinton Campaign, Mr. Young set so many 
examples of leadership and courage. A feat that was recognized in his 
becoming the first African American Illinois State Director for the 
Democratic National Committee.
   Mr. Speaker, Mr. Young will surely be missed. I join his devoted and 
loving wife, Perry; two sons, Damon Avery and Jimmy Myu (Nikkie); 
daughter, Lavitia (Rev. Larry) Arnold, brother, Supt. James Young 
(Betty Jean), sisters, Rev. Rhoda Barnes and Judy Young, sister-in-law 
Gert; grandchildren; nephews, nieces and many friends and colleagues in 
mourning his passing. I am honored to pay tribute to this dedicated 
community and political leader.

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