[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 115 (Monday, July 10, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      HONORING THE LIFE OF LORAIN CITY COUNCILMAN EDDIE C. EDWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARCY KAPTUR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2017

  Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the 
life of a respected public official and very dear friend, Lorain City 
Councilman Eddie C. Edwards. He passed away peacefully on June 27, 
2017, after courageously battling illness over the last several years. 
Please let me offer the deepest condolences of our entire citizenry to 
his son Gregory Edwards, daughter Darnisha Hunter and the countless 
friends and family whose lives he touched. A true public servant in the 
every sense, Eddie dedicated his life not only to making government 
work better for the people he served, but by striving to make the lives 
of all people, better.
  Eddie began his career in politics in 1996, first elected to 
represent South Lorain's Fifth Ward. Throughout his eighteen years of 
service on City Council, Eddie fought hard for his community--making 
his neighborhood safer, parks cleaner, improving education in schools 
and working toward enhancing and growing small businesses.
  While Councilman Edward's service to the City of Lorain will forever 
be remembered, Eddie's contributions to the Lorain community started 
decades earlier.
  Born and raised in the small town of Dyersberg, Tennessee, Eddie 
moved to Lorain when he was 20 years old, with less than 13 dollars in 
his pocket, seeking a better life. He immediately enrolled in school 
studying business and construction management, which jumpstarted a new 
life of helping build Lorain forward.
  Eddie, who was the owner-operator of Edwards Trucking & Excavating 
for more than two decades, understood the role small businesses play in 
driving healthy local economies. Moreover, Eddie knew the value of 
minority owned small businesses. As a founding member of the Lorain 
County Minority Contractors Association and Executive Board Member of 
the Minority Trucking and Transportation Association--Eddie paved the 
way for countless entrepreneurs to use their skills, grow our local 
economy and improve our community. His friends, family and colleagues 
recall his passion and willingness to stand up and speak his mind, 
always working toward equal rights and fighting for those left behind.
  During the rise of the civil rights movement, Eddie was a founding 
member of the Committee for Positive Change in the Black Community and 
was the past president of the Lorain NAACP. And as an ordained Baptist 
Deacon, Eddie was a true champion and relentless advocate for African 
Americans and all those in need throughout our community.
  A man of strong faith, Eddie worked each day fighting for those less 
fortunate. I myself recall a time when Eddie and I joined the Full 
Gospel Ministries and Pathways Enrichment Center in Lorain, planting a 
community garden as part of a community driven effort to produce fresh 
fruits and vegetables for the local food pantry.
  As an African American, there is no question Councilman and 
businessman Edwards wrote a new chapter in the history of Lorain. As a 
man and leader in the community, the successes and struggles of Eddie's 
generous life represent a beacon for generations to follow.
  Last year, The Smithsonian opened the only national museum solely 
dedicated to recording and underscoring African Americans' many 
contributions in art, history, culture and life. I would like to submit 
this Congressional Record to the National Museum of African American 
History and Culture on behalf Eddie's family to hallmark the life and 
lasting contributions of a true public servant.
  Today, my thoughts and prayers are with the entire Edwards family. 
Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in honoring Eddie C. Edwards, a loyal 
friend, a defender of democracy, a true public servant, a dedicated 
father, a loving husband and a courageous man.

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