[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 168 (Tuesday, October 25, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1082-E1083]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN MEMORY OF GARRY WADE OWENS, INTERNATIONAL CIVIL RIGHTS ADVOCATE AND 
                             PUBLIC SERVANT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ADAM SMITH

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2022

  Mr. SMITH of Washington. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Garry 
Wade Owens for his many years of service as a civil rights advocate and 
public servant.
  Garry Owens is a Seattleite from birth. During his senior year at 
Franklin High School, he was part of the Seattle chapter of the 
Congress of Racial Equality, playing a pivotal role for African 
Americans in the civil rights movement. After his military service, he 
worked toward resolving discrimination and equity for

[[Page E1083]]

marginalized communities. He was a founding member of the University of 
Washington's Black Student Union and Seattle Chapter of the Black 
Panther Party in 1968, focusing on providing necessities and education 
to African American families and workers. He also worked for the City 
of Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods for 24 years as one of the 
first community organizers who helped the city with their outreach to 
underrepresented regions. He later became the manager for the 
Neighborhood Matching Fund, providing support to specific community 
projects.
  In addition, he joined the Legacy of Equality Leadership and 
Organizing board in 1991 and traveled to serve as an agent of 
solidarity in Cuba, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, and 
throughout the United States. He focused on community organizing, 
popular political education, and international networking to empower 
workers of color to have a voice and speak for themselves.
  My office and I were pleased to have worked with Garry through his 
advocacy and are saddened to hear of his passing. He and his 
contributions to our community will be sorely missed.
  Madam Speaker, it is my privilege and honor to remember Garry Owens 
for the achievements he made during his lifetime.

                          ____________________