[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 103 (Wednesday, June 19, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E797]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. DONNA MARIA GRANT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 19, 2019

  Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of 
Dr. Donna Maria Grant, a trailblazer in the field of education, who 
passed away on June 10, 2019, at the age of 71.
  Dr. Grant was born on February 4, 1948 in Tampa, Florida, to Mr. 
Smile Benton and Mrs. Daisy Johnson. In 1966, she graduated from Booker 
T. Washington High School in Miami, Florida, earned a B.S. degree and 
M.Ed degree from Florida A&M University in Elementary Education, and 
completed all coursework towards a doctoral degree in educational 
leadership from the Union Institute and University in Cincinnati, Ohio. 
In 1974, she married Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Grant.
  Dr. Grant worked her entire professional career in education. She 
passionately worked with all ages of students from elementary through 
graduate school. After spending over 30 years in the Miami-Dade Public 
School System, Dr. Grant retired as an elementary school principal. 
However, due to her love for education, her retirement was short lived.
  In 2006, Dr. Grant moved to New Orleans and began working as an 
Associate Professor in the College of Education and Human Development 
at Southern University at New Orleans. At the time of her death, Dr. 
Grant served as Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Enrollment 
Services at Southern University at New Orleans.
  Dr. Grant, always having a heart for the community, was a proud 
member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the National Association of 
Professional Women (NAPW), Just Us (Miami chapter), and numerous other 
community empowerment organizations. Also, Dr. Grant was a faithful 
member of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans.
  Dr. Grant lived an extraordinary life that cannot be overstated. She 
was committed to elevating minds, bringing students together, and 
improving access to higher education for all. She was an intellectual 
titan, trailblazer in the field of education, and her legacy as well as 
her spirit will remain a guiding force for all.
  Dr. Grant is survived by two sons; Christopher Grant and Robert 
``Bobby'' Grant, two daughters; Sherri Grant and Micheline Lyles, a 
brother; Rickey Perkins, grandchildren; Christopher, Jr., Jeremiah, 
James, Ciera, Jamica, Kerry, Cameron, Eric, and Deshun, and a host of 
relatives and friends.
  Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Donna Maria 
Grant.

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