[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 189 (Wednesday, October 27, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1152]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING BENJAMIN BYNUM, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DWIGHT EVANS

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 27, 2021

  Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a renown and 
trailblazing entrepreneur from Philadelphia, Benjamin Bynum, Sr., a 
savvy businessman, and former United States Marine who died on Tuesday, 
October 19, 2021 at the age of 93.
  Benjamin Louis Bynum, Sr. was born in Lexington, South Carolina on 
April 6, 1923. He was one of five brothers and five sisters. During 
World War II, he was a member of the Montford Point Marines, making him 
among the first African Americans to join the U.S. Marines Corps.
  Mr. Bynum was also a long-time businessman that operated some of the 
most popular; restaurants, jazz, and blues venues in the city of 
Philadelphia. Venues including--the Cadillac Club, which became known 
for booking well-known entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Nina 
Simone, Kenny Gamble, Count Basie, George Benson, Fats Domino, Woody 
Herman, Bill Paul, and the Stylistics. As a matter of fact, Bill Paul's 
first album was called ``Feeling Good at the Cadillac Club,'' paying 
homage to the venue.
  His venues were known for providing an upscale environment and 
terrific cuisine.
  A cultural hub that was often frequented by black professionals and 
famous people. Which gave it a national reputation and following. 
Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who worked as a disc jockey 
under the name ``Mixmaster Mike'', at a Bynum establishment, credits 
Mr. Bynum in influencing him into getting in politics. Nutter said he 
got lessons in diplomacy, hospitality, and government while working 
there. He proclaimed, ``I would never have been in public service if 
not for Ben Bynum.''
  Additionally, Mr. Bynum raised his sons to be business savvy and 
great restauranteurs. They are successful entrepreneurs in their own 
right. He was super proud of his children and their careers, declaring 
``This is the seed that I planted.'' Mr. Bynum was a hard worker that 
often stressed that he would never retire. He worked well into his 
90's. He could often be detected working the door at his sons' 
restaurants.
  As evidenced by his extraordinary life and career, Benjamin Bynum, 
Sr. served his nation in the military and was a trailblazing 
entrepreneur. He was a model citizen and proud Philadelphian. The 3rd 
Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Mr. Bynum 
for his dedicated support and service to the people and the city of 
Philadelphia. I offer sincere condolences to his family; to his 
brother, Jimmy, his sons Robert and Benjamin Jr., his daughters 
Antoinette, Benita, and Denee, nine grandchildren, seven great-
grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, his partner, Thelma and 
friends on his passing.

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