[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 21 (Monday, February 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E123]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





             IN RECOGNITION OF SENIOR BISHOP McKINLEY YOUNG

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 4, 2019

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Senior 
Bishop McKinley Young, a champion of social justice and civil rights, 
for his dedication to empowering individuals through equality and 
opportunity both in the church and his community. As the son of a 
Pastor, Bishop McKinley Young was raised in the church and went on to 
start his own distinguished career serving the people of Big Bethel AME 
Church in Atlanta from 1980 until 1992. He would further his career in 
South Africa, where he went on to lead the Centennial Celebration of 
African Methodism and remained a leader in the Ecumenical Community. To 
cite his most recent achievements, he was assigned to the Third 
Episcopal District and was elevated to the office of Senior Bishop of 
the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Bishop McKinley Young's notable 
career and generous spirit warrant many accolades as countless 
individuals have benefited from his hard work.
  The son of a Parsonage, one could say Bishop Young was destined to a 
life of faith. He was born in Atlanta, Georgia and was a product of the 
Atlanta public school system. As an academic standout with a passion 
for theology, Bishop Young could not pass up the opportunity to further 
his studies. For that reason, he pursued and received degrees from 
Morris Brown College, Andover Newton Theological School, and the 
University of Chicago Divinity School. Moreover, he also holds honorary 
doctorates from six institutions of higher education.
  Bishop Young's faith has been the central focus of his life and has 
guided him to hold various positions. For over 20 years, he served as 
Chair of the Board with the AME Church and Service and Development 
Agency and went on to serve as president of the Council of Bishops and 
the General Board. Bishop Young also chaired several commissions, 
including the Commission of Global Witness and Ministry and the 
Commission on Annuity Investments and Insurance. His many 
accomplishments speak volumes about Young's commendable character and 
commitment to his community.
  Though faith remained in his heart and guided him in every aspect of 
his life, Bishop Young was aware that civil rights and education were 
the key to building a strong community and finding a political voice. 
As an advocate for social justice and civil rights, he assisted in the 
elections of the first Black Presidents of the United States of America 
and South Africa by working on voter registration efforts. Furthermore, 
he went on to attend the inauguration of former Presidents Barack Obama 
and Nelson Mandela.
  It is my personal belief that Senior Bishop McKinley Young's 
unrelenting dedication and steadfast vision has left a permanent 
imprint on those who shared the path he walked. In life, Bishop Young 
embodied a selfless dedication to his family, friends, and community. 
Though it grieves me to announce his passing on Wednesday, January 17, 
2019, I speak on behalf of the Fifth Congressional District when I 
thank him for his efforts to our country. He leaves behind his wife, 
Dorothy Jackson Young; 4 children, Karyn (Ron) Young-Lowe, Deana 
(Julius) McAllister, Andrea (Roderick) Jones, and Stephanie Lynn Young; 
and eight grandchildren, Jennifer Renee and Jessica Christina Lowe, 
Julius III, Colin and Dylan McAllister, and Peyton, Noah, and Miles 
Jones.
  It is a privilege to recognize the work of Senior Bishop McKinley 
Young for his commitment to the church and to social justice in the 
African American community. Please join me and all of Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District in honoring the life of McKinley Young for his 
commitment to the community. It is with great respect that I urge all 
my colleagues and fellow citizens across the country to join me in 
showing our appreciation to Bishop McKinley Young.

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