[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MRS. MARY ELLA HARRIS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 23, 2021

  Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I include in the 
Record the following Proclamation.
  Whereas, the Almighty God has called to her eternal rest Mrs. Mary 
Ella Harris, a pioneer civic, community, social, religious and 
political activist in the North Lawndale Community of Chicago and its 
environs; and
  Whereas, Mary Harris and her family were some of the very first 
blacks to move into and reside in what was then an all white community; 
and
  Whereas, as the community changed and as Blacks poured in, many from 
the rural south, Mary's leadership shined like the bright light that 
she was; and
  Whereas, Mary was not necessarily the loudest and most militant 
sounding person in the meetings she was always there and when she 
spoke, people listened and took action based upon what she said. For 
many years Carey Tercentenary AME Church was blessed to have four of 
its members known as leading activist and leaders in the Lawndale 
Community: Mrs. Nola Bright, Mrs. Jacqueline Ford, Mr. Theodis Leonard 
and Mrs. Mary Ella Harris.
  Now, therefore be it Resolved that we cherish the life, work, 
contributions and legacy of Mrs. Mary Ella Harris and extend 
condolences to her family and friends, son, Reverend Walter Harris, 
daughters, Ms. Jeanetta Lee, Ms. Pamela Ella and son, James Leo Jr., 
grandchildren, great grandchildren and other relatives.
  She served us well and now may she rest in peace.

                          ____________________