[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 162 (Thursday, November 14, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                  HONORING COUNCILWOMAN MAXINE PARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2013

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the life and legacy of Birmingham City Council President Maxine Herring 
Parker who passed away on Tuesday November 12, 2013. I am deeply 
saddened by her passing but I am comforted in knowing that her rich 
legacy of diligent service will live through those she served in 
Birmingham City Council District 4.
  Councilwoman Parker was the epitome of grace, class and firm yet 
gentle leadership. With her signature flower lapels to accentuate her 
immaculate appearance, this soft-spoken leader personified womanhood 
while serving as a great source of strength for her family and her 
community. In her presence, it was clear, that while she was a warm 
spirit, Councilwoman Parker was never afraid to fight for what she 
believed in.
  This beloved advocate was first elected to represent Birmingham's 
District 4 in November 2005. She initially ran on a platform that 
focused on improving the quality of life for her constituents. But her 
contributions to the area were boundless. Throughout her eight-year 
tenure, Councilwoman Parker was best known for her advocacy for 
environmental justice on behalf of the Collegeville, Harriman Park, and 
Fairmont neighborhoods.
  For decades, citizens in these areas were negatively impacted by 
industrial pollution. But it was the diligent efforts and leadership of 
Councilwoman Parker that led to government action. In 2011, as a result 
of her tireless advocacy, the Environmental Protection Agency began its 
first major intervention in the area. Today, the EPA continues 
environmental cleanup efforts in the area as a result of Councilwoman 
Parker's efforts to raise awareness on the environmental injustice 
suffered by her constituents.
  Councilwoman Parker went on to receive national recognition for her 
work and the project was even referenced as an example of successful 
goverment and community partnerships at a national conference. In July 
she served as a presenter at the EPA's Community Involvement Training 
conference in Boston where she shared her story about the federal 
environmental cleanup project in her district.
  Shortly before her untimely death, Councilwoman Parker was elected as 
Birmingham City Council President as she began her third term. Prior to 
her election to the council, she served for many years as Collegeville 
neighborhood president. She also served as the executive assistant to 
the President at Talladega College in Talladega, Alabama for 41 years. 
During her tenure at the college, she served under the administration 
of six presidents.
  On behalf of our Nation and the residents of North Birmingham, I am 
honored to pay tribute to the life of this phenomenal woman. She was 
indeed one of the most passionate community servants of her time. 
Councilwoman Parker had a heart for the people and a courageous spirit 
that dared to believe in the power of fighting for what we believe in. 
Let us all commit to continuing her legacy by inheriting her sincere 
passion for caring for the needs of others. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in celebrating the life and legacy of Birmingham City Council 
President Maxine Herring Parker.

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