[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17591]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  A TRIBUTE TO PROFESSOR RONALD BANKS

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 15, 2010

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Professor 
Ronald Banks.
  Professor Ronald Banks was born on April 22, 1948 to the late Clifton 
R. and Annie Lee Banks in Brooklyn, New York. He was educated in the 
New York City educational system and is a graduate of George 
Westinghouse Technical High School.
  Professor Banks has always had a love for music. At a young age, he 
would sit and watch Elder Sam Windham play the steel guitar. At the age 
of five, his mother bought him a steel guitar, his first musical 
instrument. He received his first piano lesson at age 8, and was 
inspired to learn the organ at age 12 and the bass guitar at 14.
  Professor Banks was blessed with an ear for music and began playing 
officially for his first choir at the age of 12. He began teaching 
voices and sections the same year, and started his own ensemble called 
``The Eastern New York Ensemble'' at age 15. The next year, his father 
founded the ``Sensational Twilights'' and Professor Banks was one of 
the lead singers and bass guitarist.
  From a very young age, Professor Banks has developed a wealth of 
knowledge in music. He has passed on his wisdom and knowledge to 
generations of musicians, singers and choirmasters to further their 
ministries and for the good of the greater church community. Professor 
Banks' attention to detail and passion for his craft has made him an 
icon in the genre of Gospel music known today as the ``Brooklyn 
Sound.''
  Professor Banks has recorded with the International Radio Choir, the 
Triboro Mass Choir, the Sensational Twilights, the Clara Ward Singers, 
and the Eastern New York Mass Choir of the Gospel Music Workshop of 
America. He has been a member of the Triboro Mass Choir for over thirty 
years, and currently serves as head musician.
  He has earned the endearing title of ``Professor'' for his ability to 
bring out the musical talents of any individual. Through his service to 
his community and his church, he has earned numerous citations.
  Professor Banks was a dedicated employee of Con Edison for thirty-six 
years until his retirement on December 1, 2004.
  Professor Banks presently serves as the Minister of Music at 
Friendship Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, under the leadership 
of Reverend Craig B. Gaddy, Pastor. He is rooted and forever humble in 
his craft because of his loyalty and devotion to our Lord and Savior, 
Jesus Christ.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
achievements of Professor Ronald Banks.

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