The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING BENJAMIN BYNUM, SR.
______
HON. DWIGHT EVANS
of pennsylvania
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, October 27, 2021
Mr. EVANS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a renown and trailblazing entrepreneur from Philadelphia, Benjamin Bynum, Sr., a savvy businessman, and former United States Marine who died on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at the age of 93.
Benjamin Louis Bynum, Sr. was born in Lexington, South Carolina on April 6, 1923. He was one of five brothers and five sisters. During World War II, he was a member of the Montford Point Marines, making him among the first African Americans to join the U.S. Marines Corps.
Mr. Bynum was also a long-time businessman that operated some of the most popular; restaurants, jazz, and blues venues in the city of Philadelphia. Venues including--the Cadillac Club, which became known for booking well-known entertainers such as Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone, Kenny Gamble, Count Basie, George Benson, Fats Domino, Woody Herman, Bill Paul, and the Stylistics. As a matter of fact, Bill Paul's first album was called ``Feeling Good at the Cadillac Club,'' paying homage to the venue.
His venues were known for providing an upscale environment and terrific cuisine.
A cultural hub that was often frequented by black professionals and famous people. Which gave it a national reputation and following. Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, who worked as a disc jockey under the name ``Mixmaster Mike'', at a Bynum establishment, credits Mr. Bynum in influencing him into getting in politics. Nutter said he got lessons in diplomacy, hospitality, and government while working there. He proclaimed, ``I would never have been in public service if not for Ben Bynum.''
Additionally, Mr. Bynum raised his sons to be business savvy and great restauranteurs. They are successful entrepreneurs in their own right. He was super proud of his children and their careers, declaring
``This is the seed that I planted.'' Mr. Bynum was a hard worker that often stressed that he would never retire. He worked well into his 90's. He could often be detected working the door at his sons' restaurants.
As evidenced by his extraordinary life and career, Benjamin Bynum, Sr. served his nation in the military and was a trailblazing entrepreneur. He was a model citizen and proud Philadelphian. The 3rd Congressional District of Pennsylvania extends gratitude to Mr. Bynum for his dedicated support and service to the people and the city of Philadelphia. I offer sincere condolences to his family; to his brother, Jimmy, his sons Robert and Benjamin Jr., his daughters Antoinette, Benita, and Denee, nine grandchildren, seven great-
grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, his partner, Thelma and friends on his passing.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 189
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