Solemn Remembrance of Arthur O. Eve, Jr.
Floor Speech
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Mr. KENNEDY. Madam Speaker, I rise today in solemn remembrance of Arthur O. Eve, Jr., a remarkable individual and leader, affectionately known throughout western New York and beyond as Champ.
As the beloved son of New York State Assembly Deputy Speaker Arthur O. Eve and an educator, the late Lee Constance Eve, life lessons in civic responsibility, faith, and a strong work ethic were instilled in him early by his family.
As a standout football player who earned all-Catholic honors during his time at Canisius High School and shined on the field at the University of Texas at El Paso, Champ turned his athletic talent, natural leadership, and team-building skills into an opportunity to inspire and mentor countless young people through coaching basketball at Calvary Baptist Church, Hutch Tech High School, and Buffalo State University.
Through his coaching, he touched hundreds of lives for the better.
In his professional positions within a juvenile detention center and Educational Opportunity Center, Champ dedicated himself to empowering those in need.
At Buffalo's Municipal Housing Authority, Champ transformed the agency and set a national standard for compliance and inclusion, which led to the BMHA being recognized as a high performer by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Champ was a leader and a respected voice on issues impacting Buffalo's Black community, serving as president of the Black Student Union during his time at the University at Buffalo. He was the founder and president of Unity Coalition, widely recognized as one of the strongest organizing units in the entire State of New York.
As deputy commissioner of the Erie County Board of Elections and as a community leader, Champ supported democracy through his work, impressing upon others the power of a vote to express one's values and shape the future of our community and our entire Nation.
A man of great faith and devotion, Champ was an active member of Elim Christian Fellowship under the leadership of Bishop T. Anthony Bronner.
To me, Champ was a dear friend whose counsel guided me in many important decisions throughout my own career.
Through a lifetime of tireless advocacy, Champ had an impact on every single life in western New York, our great State of New York, and the entire Nation. He helped unite us like never before in Buffalo, and our great city's renaissance is a shining example of what Champ believed in: diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity, and a world where everyone can succeed.
Transcending his passion for the community was his love and devotion to his family. He leaves behind his father, the Honorable Arthur O. Eve, Sr.; beloved wife, Kim; nine children, Arthur III, Shiana Denise, LaNeesha, Eric James, Louis, Ashley, Melzetta, Bobby, and David Paul; and eight grandchildren, Caiden, Rylee, Cailee, Kendall, Ari, Lucian, Maliha, and Lux, shared through their blended family; siblings, Leecia, Eric, Malcolm, and Martin; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
As we remember Arthur O. Eve, Jr., we grieve the loss of a beloved friend, celebrate a life well lived, and find solace in knowing that his legacy of service will live on.
Madam Speaker, may Champ Eve rest in peace.
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