Pair of prominent community figures feted by Senator Murphy in honor of Black History Month

YORKTOWN, NY - February is a time where we remember and commemorate the lives of black men and women who have had a positive and significant impact on society. In appreciation for their many contributions to the 40th Senate District, and in recognition of Black History Month, Senator Terrence Murphy recently presented proclamations to John J. Grimes, a former police officer who has been practicing law in Chappaqua for over twenty years, and Dr. Robert E. Young, the senior pastor of at Olivet Baptist Church in Peekskill.

"Black history is an integral part of American history. I am a strong believer that in order to reach greater heights in the future, we have to recognize and honor people who have worked tirelessly in our communities to make the Hudson Valley a great place to live," said Senator Murphy. "Mr. Grimes and Reverend Young's accomplishments are noteworthy and will inspire young men and women to follow in their footsteps."<!--more-->

John J. Grimes has always felt fortunate to have had two successful careers. Mr. Grimes began his professional life as a police officer in New York City in the 1960's. During his first seven-year stint with the New York Police Department, Mr. Grimes earned eight citations. He worked in the South Bronx, and later responded to the riots in Harlem and protests at Columbia as part of the department's tactical squad. He witnessed one of the 60's most memorable moments in music when he worked the security detail at the Beatles' concert at Shea Stadium on August 15, 1965. He was also assigned to protect some of history's most prominent figures, including Presidents John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.

Mr. Grimes attended the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, earning a Bachelor of Arts and a Master's in Public Administration. During this period, he became a detective and was assigned to the Queens D.A. office, where he worked closely with F.B.I. on bank robbery cases.

Ironically, after winning a scholarship to Harvard Law School at the age of 30, Mr. Grimes resigned from the police force over a dispute for his request for an unpaid leave of absence. The Queens D.A. and prominent publications supported Mr. Grimes. The Commissioner of Police later reinstated him.

However, a spark of inspiration had been lit. Joining the prestigious law firm of Shea and Gould, Mr. Grimes began his second career as a lawyer. He later served as General Attorney and Vice President for Worldwide Security at Transworld Airlines, and Assistant Deputy Commissioner of the Civilian Complaint Review Board with the NYPD.

He founded Grimes &amp; Zimet in Chappaqua in 1989 with Barbara Zimet, former TWA Associate General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. The firm practices matrimonial law and Mr. Grimes has become an expert at "collaborative mediation," finding common ground between husband and wife to avoid the courtroom.

Despite his heavy caseload, Mr. Grimes immersed himself in serving his community. He was elected to the Byram Hills School Board, where he guided the school toward the practice of hiring minority teachers. He also lectured students on the dangers of drugs, a community service he continues to this day.

Mr. Grimes credits much of his success to his wife and office manager, Linda. He has two children, one of whom, his stepson Derrick, played championship basketball at the University of North Carolina, dovetailing his skills into playing in Romania and later serving as a coach.

"I've been very fortunate to have a good life and not one, but two exciting careers," said Mr. Grimes. "My police training proved beneficial to my success as a lawyer because I learned how to deal with people and conflict. I deeply appreciate this award from Senator Murphy and look forward to continuing to serve the community I love."

Dr. Robert E. Young, the senior pastor at Mount Olivet Baptist Church, was born in Baltimore, Maryland to Pastor Jesse E. Young and Dr. Gwendolyn O. Young. He preached his first sermon in May of 1999 and immediately became a member of the Hampton University Ministers' Conference and Choir Directors' and Organists' Guild. He also dedicated his time to The United Baptist Missionary Convention of Maryland as a Youth Department leader and Choir Director. He was an active member of the Minister's Conference of Baltimore and Vicinity, the Churches United for Christ Cluster and the United Black Clergy of Anne Arundel County.

Dr. Young graduated from Morgan State University in May 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He then went on to receive his Masters in Divinity from the Samuel Dewitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union in May of 2008. That same month, Dr. Young became the Pastor of New Hope Baptist Church of Braddock, PA. In May of 2014, he received his Doctorate in Ministry from the United Theological Seminary and he serves as a Doctoral Mentor for United Theological Seminary. In July of 2015, Dr. Young became the fifteenth Pastor of Mount Olivet Baptist Church of Peekskill.

Dr. Young has held numerous positions including: First Vice President of Braddock Economical Development Corporation; Second Vice President of the Pittsburgh Baptist Minister's Conference; First Vice President of Greater Braddock Ministerial Association; Theme Expositor of the Pennsylvania State Baptist Convention; President of the Clergy Division of the Allegheny Union Baptist Association; Board of Directors and Nominating Committee of the Hampton University Ministers' Conference; and member of the Kingdom Association of Covenant Pastors. He is also a charter member of the Pi Eta Chapter of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Fraternity of Music.

Dr. Young is married to Misha Renee Turner, and is the father of Robyn and Preston Young. "I have been blessed to be chosen as the captain of the flagship church in Peekskill," said Reverend Young. "My mission is to alleviate suffering and bring about hope. If I can change or help someone, I know I have made a difference."