Major Owens

Date of Birth: June 28, 1936

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: October 21, 2013

Biography

Major Robert Odell Owens was an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from New York. Born in Collierville, Tennessee, Owens was a champion for civil rights and education. He attended Morehouse College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree before pursuing a Master’s degree in Library Science from Atlanta University. Owens began his career as a librarian and community organizer in Brooklyn, New York, before transitioning into politics. He was elected to the New York State Senate in 1974 and served until 1982. In 1983, Owens was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served until 2007. Known as the “Librarian in Congress,” Owens was a staunch advocate for education, labor rights, and the empowerment of minority communities. He passed away on October 21, 2013, leaving behind a legacy of activism and public service.

5 Interesting Facts about Major Owens

1. Major Owens was one of the few librarians to serve in Congress, earning him the nickname “Librarian in Congress.”

2. He played a significant role in passing the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990.

3. Owens was a founding member of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

4. He authored several books and numerous articles on civil rights and education.

5. Major Owens was an avid supporter of labor unions and participated in numerous labor rights movements.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Major Owens

1. “Education is the key to unlocking the world, a passport to freedom.”

2. “We must be relentless in our pursuit of equality and justice for all.”

3. “Libraries are the cornerstone of our democracy—they are the key to our literacy and education.”

4. “The fight for civil rights is not over; it is an ongoing battle that requires our utmost dedication.”

5. “Every child deserves a quality education, regardless of their socioeconomic status.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Major Owens’ net worth was estimated to be around $1.5 million.

Children

Major Owens had three children: Chris Owens, Geoffrey Owens, and Millard Owens. Chris Owens followed in his father’s footsteps and became involved in politics, while Geoffrey Owens is best known for his acting career, particularly his role on “The Cosby Show.”