[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 159 (Wednesday, September 26, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING CHARLES W. BOWSER, ESQ.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DWIGHT EVANS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 26, 2018

  Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today along with Representative Robert 
Brady to honor an influential and dedicated man from Philadelphia, 
Charles W. Bowser, Esquire, a devoted public official, and former 
Deputy Mayor of Philadelphia. Mr. Bowser was born on October 9, 1930, 
in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and dedicated his life and career to 
improving the lives of others through public service.
   Mr. Bowser graduated from Temple University in 1952 and earned a 
Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism. After graduation, Mr. Bowser 
joined the United States Armed Services and served as an Explosive 
Disposal Expert in Korea from 1952 to 1954, earning the rank of 
Sergeant. Upon returning from Korea, Mr. Bowser graduated from Temple 
University Law School in 1957 with a Juris Doctorate.
   Mr. Bowser began his lengthy career in public service in the 1960's 
under the tutelage of former United States Representative, Rev. Dr. 
William H. Gray, II and Samuel Evans. In 1964, Mr. Bowser served as 
Executive Director of the Philadelphia Anti-Poverty Action Committee. 
He was later appointed as the first African-American Deputy Mayor of 
Philadelphia by Mayor James Tate.
   In 1968, Mr. Bowser became the first Executive Director of the 
Philadelphia Urban Coalition, now known as the Urban Affairs Coalition. 
Under his leadership, the total value of programs at the Urban Affairs 
Coalition had grown from $3.9 million to $12 million. This growth was a 
result of Mr. Bowser's innovative means of leadership and vision for 
the organization.
   Over the course of his outstanding career and lifetime, Mr. Bowser 
remained a staunch supporter and advocate of the community. He served 
on numerous boards and commissions, including but not limited to, the 
MOVE Commission, 1985 and the Pennsylvania Commission on Judicial 
Reform, 1987 through 1988 and as Special Counsel to the Pennsylvania 
Legislative Black Caucus, 1998 through 2000. Mr. Bowser received 
numerous awards over the span of his career. These countless honors 
serve as a testament to Mr. Bowser's service to the city of 
Philadelphia.
   Charles W. Bowser, Esquire passed away on August 9, 2010. He will be 
remembered as a force in local, state and national politics. He was a 
treasured son of Philadelphia's African American community.
   In recognition of his service we support the designation of, October 
9, 2018 as ``Charles W. Bowser Day'' in the city of Philadelphia.
   On behalf of the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts of Pennsylvania 
and the city of Philadelphia, we extend gratitude to the late Charles 
W. Bowser for his dedicated support and service to the Commonwealth of 
Pennsylvania.

                          ____________________