Release #083-97

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958 or Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972

The next bill before me, Introductory Number 870A sponsored by Council Members Warden, O'Donovan, Williams, Abel, Foster and four of their colleagues would add, through the posting of an additional sign, the name "Reverend Frank R. Banks Lane", on an existing street, Burke Avenue between Bouck Avenue and Wilson Avenue, the Bronx.

Reverend Frank R. Banks was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on December 28, 1906. He attended the public schools of Wake County and, at the age of 12, joined St. Annah Baptist Church. He later graduated from Berry O'Kellys Training School, and after coming to New York City in 1928, graduated from the Manhattan Bible Institute. During World War II, he served in the United States Armed Forces.

Frank Banks was ordained a deacon at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Port Chester, New York, and later ordained a minister by Calvary Baptist Church in White Plains, New York. He attended Temple Theological College in New York City and received a diploma in Evangelism. He later received two Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degrees in 1972, one from the American Bible College and Divinity School in Chicago, Illinois and one from the Manhattan Bible Institute in New York City.

In August of 1961, Reverend Banks founded the Burke Avenue Baptist Church in the Bronx. The church began with ten members and grew to a large congregation of 1,500 people during the 28 years of his leadership as the church's pastor. He also founded the Banks Bible Institute.

Throughout his life, Reverend Banks was an outstanding husband, parent, pastor, neighborhood resident and community servant. Beside being active in his church and neighborhood, he was very involved with the Baptist Church at the city, state and national levels. He also held positions of leadership with the N.A.A.C.P., the Mt. Moriah Lodge A.F. and A.M., the Carver Community Center in Port Chester, New York and with the Boy Scouts Committee for Troop 14.

Reverend Banks died in 1989 from natural causes. He is survived by his son James and daughter Angelique. In view of the many years of service which Reverend Frank R. Banks gave to his church and community, it is fitting that Burke Avenue between Bouck Avenue and Wilson Avenue in the Bronx, in front of the church where he served for so many years, be named "Reverend Frank R. Banks Lane".

I will first turn to the bill's sponsors and then to any other elected official who wishes to be heard with regard to this bill.

Is there anyone in the general audience who wishes to speak in opposition of this bill?

Is there anyone in the general audience who wishes to speak in favor?

There being no other speakers, and for the reasons set forth previously, I will now sign this bill.