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BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

EDOLPHUS "ED" TOWNS
Member, House of Representatives
11th Congressional District of N.Y. 

Edolphus "Ed" Towns was sworn in as the first black Deputy Borough President in Brooklyn's history in January, 1978 by newly elected Brooklyn Borough President Howard Golden for whom he had served as Executive Assistant during the latter's previous Administration.

Mr. Towns is a graduate of North Carolina A & T University (1956), and holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from Adelphi University (1973). His varied career includes work in health care, youth programs, minority education, programs for the elderly, and community advocacy. He has taught in the New York City Public School system, has served as a director at the Metropolitan Hospital, and was the Assistant Administrator at Beth Israel Hospital from 1965 to 1975. 

Mr. Towns is also a former professor at Medgar Evers College in Brooklyn, and a lecturer on Urban Issues at Fordham University in the Bronx.

The eldest of two sons, Mr. Towns was born in Chadburn, North Carolina in 1934 from the union of the late Reverend Dolphus and Versie Towns. He moved to New York City shortly after earning his degree from North Carolina A & T University. Mr. Towns is married to the former Gwendolyn Forbes and they have two children, Darryl and Deidre.

He has served as Democratic State Committeeman from Brooklyn's 40th Assembly District for the past ten years. 

Mr. Towns has received numerous awards from civic organizations, church groups, and education associations. Among these are: The Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Award (1977); Man of the Year Award, East New York Lions Club (1978); St. Mary's Hospital Community Service Award (1978); Man of the Year Award, Brooklyn Home for the Aged 1982); and American Red Cross Outstanding Achievement Award (1981).

Mr. Towns served in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958 and is a member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

He serves on the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross; Board of Directors, Kings County Boy Scouts; Advisory Board of Medgar Evers College; is a former President of the Association for the Study of Afro-American Life and History; and is a member of many other professional and civic associations.

Mr. Towns was elected in November, 1982 with approximately 90% of the vote.