Governor Rendell, First Lady Honor Distinguished African-Americans

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 25 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Celebrating Black History Month, Governor Edward G. Rendell and First Lady Judge Marjorie O. Rendell today honored four African-American Pennsylvanians during a luncheon at the Governor's Residence. The celebration marked the eighth and final such event of Rendell's administration.

Honored were Reverend Brenda Alton, pastor of Kingdom Embassy in Harrisburg; Pittsburgh Police Assistant Chief Maurita J. Bryant; and Samuel Staten Sr., assistant business manager of Laborers' Local 332 in Philadelphia.

"For the past eight years, it has been a privilege for Midge and I to honor dynamic African-American leaders for their contributions to Pennsylvania," said Governor Rendell. "We applaud them for so tirelessly giving of themselves to better their communities."

A special honor went to Reverend James S. Allen Sr., a U.S. Air Force veteran who has served in a variety of leadership roles including several with the National Baptist Convention, USA. Reverend Allen was a special assistant to former Philadelphia Mayor W. Wilson Goode. Currently, he is chairman of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations and pastor of Vine Memorial Baptist Church.

"Reverend Allen's civic engagement began when he joined the Air Force in the 1950s, and he has not stopped working to empower others," said Governor Rendell.

Coordinated by the Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs, the celebration included an invocation and closing prayer by Reverend Doctor J. Earl Garmon Sr., pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Pittsburgh.

Media contact:  Sonya Toler; 717-772-5085

SOURCE Pennsylvania Governor's Advisory Commission on African American Affairs