[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 134 (Friday, August 9, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1042]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF CHARLES SMITH ON HIS RETIREMENT AS PRESIDENT OF THE 
                MISSOURI NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 9, 2019

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
achievements of Mr. Charles Smith, a man who has dedicated his life to 
the betterment of the public education system in the great state of 
Missouri. Mr. Smith is retiring after six years as President of the 
Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), six years as Vice-
President of the same organization, and decades as a public-school 
teacher. He leaves behind a legacy of magnanimous leadership and a 
passion for public service, which will continue to impact the lives of 
young people throughout Missouri.
  As Mr. Smith retires from his position as President of the Missouri 
National Education Association, he will be greatly missed by his peers 
and colleagues. In this role, he oversaw 35,000 members, while serving 
as the official spokesperson for the organization, as well as acting as 
a liaison between local and national leaders. Upon graduation from 
Northwest Missouri State University, his extensive career began in 
Kansas City's Center School District. He spent twenty-seven years 
there, teaching communication arts and advising the journalism program, 
eventually becoming the chair of the department. Mr. Smith directly 
impacted the lives of thousands of students throughout his tenure in 
the Center School District, instilling in young people ambition to 
pursue their dreams. George Washington Carver once said, ``Education is 
the key to unlock the golden door of freedom.'' Mr. Smith's work in 
education has truly brought that precious freedom to the youth of 
Missouri through a lifetime of dedicated service and steadfast 
commitment.
  Mr. Charles Smith has a passion for social justice and bettering the 
lives of others, which is evident by the time he has spent as an 
activist for the African-American community. He served as the first 
Vice President of the Missouri NAACP for fourteen years, later becoming 
the organization's President for the next six. He spent time as the 
National Chairman of the NEA Black Caucus where he advocated for over 
400,000 African-American teachers, education support professionals, 
college students, retired members, and administrators. He has worked to 
create an inclusive community in which all people are afforded equal 
rights and opportunities. Mr. Smith's commitment to advocating for the 
African-American community in Missouri not only speaks volumes to his 
meritorious character, but also reflects the legacy he leaves behind, 
as an educator, activist, and proponent of necessary change.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Charles Smith on 
his retirement, as he has gone above and beyond the duty of a citizen 
to give back to his community time and time again. He leaves behind a 
legacy of great leadership, as his accomplishments continue to grow and 
touch every corner of our community. He will be greatly missed by his 
peers, colleagues, and the community that has benefited from Mr. 
Smith's leadership. I am proud to recognize this exceptional civil 
servant for the work he has done and the lives he has touched within 
Missouri's Fifth Congressional District.

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