Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-14

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALVIN STEPHENS

HealthcareTaxesEducationCrime & JusticeVeterans

Context

On 2026-07-14, Representative Mark Takano (D-CA-39) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALVIN STEPHENS" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALVIN STEPHENS

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E685] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALVIN STEPHENS ______ HON. MARK TAKANO of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Alvin Stephens, a distinguished Army veteran, pioneering pharmacist, entrepreneur, mentor, and devoted family man whose remarkable 59-year career exemplified public service, leadership, and excellence. Following his honorable service in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, Mr. Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from Texas Southern University in 1959. Soon after, he relocated his family to Riverside, California to establish his career--becoming the city's first African American retail pharmacist when he opened Perris Valley Medical Pharmacy in 1964. His professional leadership included service as President of the Riverside County Pharmaceutical Association, Western Zone Director of the National Pharmaceutical Association, and an active member of the Central Los Angeles Pharmaceutical Association. Beyond his accomplishments in pharmacy, Mr. Stephens dedicated himself to mentoring young people through Career Day programs hosted by local school districts, encouraging countless students to pursue higher education and careers in healthcare. He was also an established, lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., committing his time to various roles within their Riverside Alumni Chapter. Above all his many achievements, Alvin Stephens was a devoted husband to Mrs. Ola Faye Stephens, his wife of 66 years, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His enduring legacy of compassion, integrity, and service to our community will continue to inspire generations to come. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALVIN STEPHENS Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 114 (Tuesday, July 14, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E685] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ALVIN STEPHENS ______ HON. MARK TAKANO of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 14, 2026 Mr. TAKANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Alvin Stephens, a distinguished Army veteran, pioneering pharmacist, entrepreneur, mentor, and devoted family man whose remarkable 59-year career exemplified public service, leadership, and excellence. Following his honorable service in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, Mr. Stephens earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Pharmacy from Texas Southern University in 1959. Soon after, he relocated his family to Riverside, California to establish his career--becoming the city's first African American retail pharmacist when he opened Perris Valley Medical Pharmacy in 1964. His professional leadership included service as President of the Riverside County Pharmaceutical Association, Western Zone Director of the National Pharmaceutical Association, and an active member of the Central Los Angeles Pharmaceutical Association. Beyond his accomplishments in pharmacy, Mr. Stephens dedicated himself to mentoring young people through Career Day programs hosted by local school districts, encouraging countless students to pursue higher education and careers in healthcare. He was also an established, lifelong member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., committing his time to various roles within their Riverside Alumni Chapter. Above all his many achievements, Alvin Stephens was a devoted husband to Mrs. Ola Faye Stephens, his wife of 66 years, and a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His enduring legacy of compassion, integrity, and service to our community will continue to inspire generations to come. ____________________