[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 60 (Friday, April 13, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF ALMA WHEELER SMITH'S DISTINGUISHED PUBLIC SERVICE

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 13, 2018

  Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alma Wheeler 
Smith for a lifetime of service to southeast Michigan. Her work has 
bettered Michigan for years to come.
  A lifelong Michigan resident, Alma Wheeler Smith graduated from the 
University of Michigan with a journalism degree and the desire to make 
a meaningful impact on the community that she loved. She grew up in a 
prominent Michigan family with her father, Albert Wheeler, serving as 
Ann Arbor's first African-American Mayor. After graduating, Mrs. 
Wheeler Smith worked at the University of Michigan's Television Center 
for nine years before taking a position as a staffer with a State 
Senator in 1990. After her boss left the Legislature, Mrs. Wheeler 
Smith decided to run for the Michigan State Senate herself. She started 
what would be a successful political career, serving as both the 18th 
District's State Senator and the 54th District's State Representative 
until she termed out of both offices. Although she is no longer an 
elected official, Mrs. Wheeler Smith remains extremely passionate for 
public service and a leader for positive change in the community she 
loves.
  Those who know Alma Wheeler Smith cannot recall a time where she did 
not help someone in need. She leads by listening, and that is what she 
attributes to her success as a community leader. Mrs. Wheeler Smith 
remains involved in many activities including the Library Board of 
Trustees, Regional Transit Authority and the Michigan Campaign Finance 
Network. Women throughout the state know Mrs. Wheeler Smith as both an 
inspiration and a mentor. She started her political career during a 
time where women were not running for elected office, so she knows the 
importance of encouraging women to reach their full potential and 
follow their dreams. Mrs. Wheeler Smith has effectively and 
passionately served our southeast Michigan community throughout her 
lifetime. We are thankful for her years of public service and look 
forward to her leadership yet to come.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Alma Wheeler 
Smith for a lifetime of tireless public service. It is my hope that she 
continues to be engaged in civic activities for years to come.

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