[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 79 (Friday, May 7, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E481]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF IRENE B. WEST

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. AMI BERA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 7, 2021

  Mr. BERA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the 
life of Irene B. West. Mrs. West was born on July 3, 1932 in Crowley, 
Louisiana and she graduated Valedictorian of her high school class. She 
moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she met her late husband. Mrs. West 
received her Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University 
Sacramento (CSUS) and obtained a Master of Arts degree from the 
University of San Francisco.
  Mrs. West, whose older sisters were teachers, was hired as the first 
black teacher in Elk Grove, CA in 1962. With virtually no 
representation in the area, she showcased true dedication to her career 
in education during the era of the Civil Rights movement. During her 27 
years in service of the Elk Grove Community, she taught at James McKee 
and Florin Elementary schools and then served as principal at John 
Reith and Cosumnes River Elementary schools.
  As a mother of four, Mrs. West was not only dedicated to her students 
and their education but raised talented and devoted children while 
working full time. In fact, The Sacramento Observer named her Mother of 
the Year in 1963. All her children excelled in their chosen fields of 
study, and two followed in her footsteps teaching at the Massachusetts 
Institute of Technology (MIT) and Sunday school. We know she would be 
proud of their future endeavors as her children continue her legacy.
  Because of her impact as a mother, educator, a wife and a pillar to 
society, Mrs. West has left a lasting legacy for the city of Elk Grove 
and will continue to inspire young women of color for generations to 
come.
  I want to extend my condolences to the West family, and to everyone 
Mrs. West positively affected throughout her lifetime. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of Irene B. West for her 
work in our community and her impact on our educational system.

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