Political Quotes

“Today I rise to celebrate the life of Dr. James Harold Bowles. Dr. Bowles was born in June 1921, and raised on the Pea Ridge in Goochland County, Virginia. Dr. Bowles served in the U.S. Army and graduated from Virginia Union University before attending medical school and returning home to Goochland to open his medical practice. As he began his career serving his patients, Dr. Bowles continued his service as the first African American to serve on the Goochland County Board of Supervisors where he worked to strengthen our community for 32 years. He was a lifetime member of the NAACP, a trustee of Emmaus Baptist Church, and an active member of community organizations across central Virginia. Above all, he was a beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He left an indelible mark on our community. Madam Speaker, I leave you with the advice Dr. Bowles frequently gave. May it guide our work here in this Chamber. SMILE. S, seek to understand before being understood; M, make others feel important; I, it is not about me; L, listen twice as much as you speak; E, emphatically, enthusiastically, and quickly admit it when you are wrong. When you do this, dialogue can be easily achieved. ____________________”