[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 34 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


        HONORING DR. ETHEL HALL DURING BLACK HISTORY MONTH 2014

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                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2014

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Black 
History month and my commitment to honoring influential African 
Americans that have impacted the state of Alabama and this nation. 
Today, I have the pleasure of sharing the inspiring story of Dr. Ethel 
Harris Hall. Dr. Hall was the first African American to serve on the 
Alabama State Board of Education and she was also the first African 
American Vice President of the Board of Education. In Alabama, we 
remember this exemplary educator for her role in breaking barriers in 
education and for her lifelong commitment to excellence.
   Dr. Hall was born on February 23, 1928 in Morgan County Alabama to 
Harry and Fannie Mae Harris. The Harris' sent their daughter to 
Birmingham to ensure that she received a quality education. She 
attended Ullman High School, A.H. Parker High School, and Councill 
Training School. She was valedictorian of her class and went on to 
attend Alabama A&M University where she graduated cum laude with a 
Bachelor of Science Degree in 1948. She also obtained masters degrees 
from the University of Chicago and Atlanta University. She continued 
her studies at the University of Alabama where she obtained a doctorate 
in social work in 1979.
   Throughout her tenure, this stellar educator taught in various 
schools systems throughout the state of Alabama including Hale County 
Schools, Birmingham City Schools, and Jefferson County Schools. Dr. 
Hall also taught at the collegiate level and was the first African 
American faculty member at the University of Montevallo. She later 
taught in the school of social work at The University of Alabama where 
she retired in 1999.
   On January 19, 1987 Dr. Hall made history when she became the first 
black elected to serve on the Alabama State Board of Education. During 
her 24 year tenure, she served six terms and became vice chair in 1994. 
Dr. Hall served on the State Board of Education during many tumultuous 
battles over issues such as funding levels for schools, teacher 
testing, accountability standards for schools and academic standards 
for students. In making these tough decisions, she always remained a 
woman of principle-putting Alabama's children first.
   In 2010, shortly before her death, Dr. Hall published her 
autobiography entitled ``My Journey: A Memoir of the First African 
American to preside over the Alabama Board of Education.'' Dr. Hall 
stated that she felt It was important to share her story to inspire 
others to appreciate the opportunities they had been afforded. ``I 
wrote the book because as I worked on the state board I found so many 
young people who took education for granted,'' Hall said. ``They just 
assumed that everybody had the opportunity to go to school where they 
wanted to . . .'' In telling her story, she hoped to not only share her 
experiences as a trailblazer, but to tell others about how she saw 
Alabama's education system evolve through the years.
   While we honor Dr. Hall for breaking barriers, we must also salute 
this extraordinary woman for her commitment to the students that she 
served. She led with grace and impeccable character that was defined by 
her passion for challenging students to be their very best. As a role 
model, she inspired her fellow educators to be servant leaders to their 
students and to their community. This beloved figure is also remembered 
for belief that all children deserved a quality education. Through her 
work she truly taught us to see education as the great equalizer.
   During Black History month, simply saying thank you to Dr. Hall 
seems woefully inadequate but on behalf of a grateful nation we salute 
this pioneer and acknowledge her role not only in black history but 
American history. Her story is a perfect illustration of passionate 
leadership and selfless service to mankind. I ask my colleagues to join 
me in honoring Dr. Ethel Harris Hall, a phenomenal woman and a great 
American.

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