The publication is reproduced in full below:
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 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.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 168(2)
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