[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 96 (Friday, July 17, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1336]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING ELTA CEOLE SPEIGHT OF PASADENA, TX

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Elta Ceole Speight of 
Pasadena, Texas, for her many contributions to the community, including 
30 years of service as political director for the Harris County AFL-CIO 
Council. One of only three women to hold that position with the 
Council, she has been a leader on many fronts, including rights and 
opportunities for women, organized labor, and education.
  Ceole Speight is best known for her outstanding contributions as a 
dedicated leader in the labor movement in Texas. Born in Louisiana, she 
moved to Texas after marrying her husband, Joe Speight, a former labor 
organizer, and quickly became involved in organized labor herself. She 
volunteered for the Women's Auxiliary Division of the Harris County 
AFL-CIO and became one of the organization's most dependable and 
hardest-working volunteers, recruiting friends and neighbors as well as 
her four children, Jean, Kenny, Calvin, and Glenn, when extra 
volunteers were needed. On July 1, 1968, Ceole Speight became the 
Harris County AFL-CIO's Women's Activities Director. Ceole is also a 
member of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union 
and of the Coalition of Labor Union Women.
  Ceole Speight has also been deeply committed to providing a quality 
education to all children. She served in all the elected positions of 
the Parent Teachers Association during her children's school years. In 
1997 and 1998, the Texas AFL-CIO Scholarship Fund named a scholarship 
after her to recognize her concern for and generous contribution to 
education.
  In all her endeavors, Ceole Speight has been a pioneer for women. A 
member of the Coalition of Labor Union Women, she has worked to ensure 
that the concerns of working women are not forgotten. Her leadership 
culminated in her appointment by former Texas Governor Mark White to 
serve on the Governor's Commission for Women.
  Ceole Speight is also deeply committed to making our Nation's 
political process work for all Americans, as reflected in her efforts 
to encourage her fellow citizens to register and vote. She is a deputy 
voter registrar for Harris County and offers classes of instruction for 
voter registrars. She has also been active in politics at the precinct 
level and as a member of the League of Women Voters. She continues to 
serve as a member of the Texas State Democratic Executive Committee.
  Ceole Speight has been a leader in many respects, but most of all 
through her own example. She has been a resource and inspiration for 
many young Texans. In 1991, the Texas Legislature passed a well-
deserved resolution recognizing her many contributions. I join in 
congratulating and thanking Ceole Speight for all that she has done for 
organized labor, education, women, and our community as a whole. Her 
contributions will endure for years to come.

                          ____________________