Ayanna Pressley, MA
Linked statement
“I want to honor the life of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner. He was an athlete, a church leader, and worked for years to help young people and families in Boston.”
“Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my family--my husband, Conan, and our daughter, Cora--and the city of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to honor the life of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner. A beloved son of Roxbury, Chris deserved to grow old, but he transitioned on July 5 due to complications from ALS. He excelled from a young age in athletics, particularly basketball, which brought him to Canada, where he earned scholarships and eventually played semi-pro. His commitment, talent, agility, and strength went beyond the court. He returned to Boston, where he devoted his career to serving his community as executive director of the I Have a Dream program, Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club, Boston TenPoint Coalition, and St. Stephen’s Youth Programs. His final role was an appointment from Governor Healey as executive director of the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center, what he often called his dream job. Chris’ true passion was his family and his faith. I have said so often, I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day. Chris was a sermon, the best kind. He married his wife, Katani, in 1985, and they raised three beautiful children: Kandice, Kortney, and Kristian. He also faithfully served as executive director and executive pastor of Jubilee Christian Church, supporting our community with spiritual covering, stewardship, and, most of all, joy. As we grieve his loss, may we move forward in service of our children, young adults, families, and elders, or, as Chris would say, our city’s treasured assets. May he rest peacefully in eternal rest.”
Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of my family--my husband, Conan, and our daughter, Cora--and the city of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to honor the life of Pastor Byron Christopher Sumner. A beloved son of Roxbury, Chris deserved to grow old, but he transitioned on July 5 due to complications from ALS. He excelled from a young age in athletics, particularly basketball, which brought him to Canada, where he earned scholarships and eventually played semi-pro. His commitment, talent, agility, and strength went beyond the court. He returned to Boston, where he devoted his career to serving his community as executive director of the I Have a Dream program, Blue Hill Boys & Girls Club, Boston TenPoint Coalition, and St. Stephen’s Youth Programs. His final role was an appointment from Governor Healey as executive director of the Melnea A. Cass Recreation Center, what he often called his dream job. Chris’ true passion was his family and his faith. I have said so often, I would rather see a sermon than hear one any day. Chris was a sermon, the best kind. He married his wife, Katani, in 1985, and they raised three beautiful children: Kandice, Kortney, and Kristian. He also faithfully served as executive director and executive pastor of Jubilee Christian Church, supporting our community with spiritual covering, stewardship, and, most of all, joy. As we grieve his loss, may we move forward in service of our children, young adults, families, and elders, or, as Chris would say, our city’s treasured assets. May he rest peacefully in eternal rest.