[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1307]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING JEANELLE NORMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RODNEY DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Jeanelle Norman, who was recently named Citizen of the Year by the 
Greater Decatur Chamber of Commerce.
  Jeanelle is perhaps most known for her work as the president of the 
Decatur branch of the NAACP, where she has spent the past few years 
fighting tirelessly for the inclusion and equality of all people in the 
greater Decatur area.
  However, Jeanelle is no stranger to activism. In 1998, she saw a need 
for leadership in her community and began her campaign as the first 
black woman to run for mayor of Decatur. Although unsuccessful, she was 
later elected as the first black president of the Decatur School Board 
where she saw firsthand the needs of parents and children in Decatur's 
public schools.
  Using her years of experience and advocacy on the School Board, 
Jeanelle channeled her desire to make a difference into the creation of 
the Area Leaders and Education Response Team, whose focus is to improve 
relations between Decatur's community members and its law enforcement. 
This 11-member team works to spread accurate information in the event 
of high-profile incidents involving police and the black community.
  For decades, the Decatur community has benefitted immensely from 
Jeanelle's positive influence. I am very proud of Jeanelle for all of 
her accomplishments that have earned her the distinction of Citizen of 
the Year. She is truly an inspiration and I congratulate her on 
receiving this honor.

                          ____________________