[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 28, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1974]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF ELLIE MAPSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of 
Ellie Mapson, Jr., community leader, activist, artist, dedicated family 
man and friend and mentor to many, as he is being honored by the West 
Park Community Coalition, Inc., for his grace, focus and tireless 
efforts in raising our Westside community into the light of possibility 
for everyone.
  Mr. Mapson's steadfast commitment to his community mirrors his 
unwavering focus on family and faith. Mr. Mapson's wife of 47 years, 
Maggie, their children, Daryl, Kimberly and Dana; the loving memory of 
David; and their four grandchildren remain central to his life. Mr. 
Mapson and his family are long-time members of the Second Calvary 
Baptist Church and the West Park Community Coalition, where he also 
serves on the Board of Directors. Mr. Mapson has devoted countless 
hours at his church as layman, program vice-president, past chairman of 
the board and Sunday school teacher. He also led the effort to develop 
a college scholarship program for member families.
  Mr. Mapson is known as a local historian and ironically, his own life 
became part of Cleveland history. In 1972, Ellie Mapson Jr. became the 
first African American to run for Cleveland City Council in a seat 
located west of the Cuyahoga River. He finished second out of five 
candidates. He went on to serve as president of the predominantly white 
West Park Community Council, and he was also the first African American 
member of the West Park Kiwanis Club and eventually served as its 
president.
  Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me in honor and recognition 
of Ellie Mapson, Jr., whose integrity, warmth, faith and concern for 
others continues to pave the way for strength and renewal throughout 
our Westside community. Mr. Mapson's professional talents and spirit of 
volunteerism have fortified all aspects of the West Park Community 
Coalition, Inc. and the Second Calvary Baptist Church. His activism on 
behalf of our entire community offers light, hope and the promise of a 
better day for people of the Westside, and for our entire Cleveland 
community.

                          ____________________