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[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.
____________________
