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Howard Bennett Passes

Some called him a giant. Others said he was "Mr. Harlem." A real community man, another called him. His name was Howard Bennett and at the age of 70, he laid down and died.

Neighbors hadn't seen him around for a few days and became concerned so the superintendent in his building used his passkey. They found Bennett's lifeless body.

Funeral services are planned for Monday, October 5, at St. Martin's Church, 122nd Street and Lenox Avenue at 12 noon.

A native New Yorker, Bennett was one of 16 children. Only his sister Winifred Goins is still alive.

Bennett was both a public and a private person. His home life and his family life were his private affair. He has left 37 nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him dearly.

Publicly, he is known as the creator of the campaign to make Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday a national holiday. In tribute to his great effort in this endeavor Governor Carey and the New York State Legislature should make MLK's Day a state holiday.

He was a staunch supporter and member in good standing in the 369th Veteran's Association. In tribute to Bennett, the 369th should bring its annual parade (called the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade) back to Harlem where it belongs and where Bennett wanted it.

Bennett was politically wise and an active member of the New Deal Democratic Club since 1945. Labor, civic and charitable causes occupied much of his time. As captain in his election district, Bennett would walk down the street on election day and all in the neighborhood knew it was time to vote.

He was one who liked to share what knowledge and information he had with his fellow Harlemites. Now he is gone. Mr. Harlem will be missed.

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