[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 125 (Friday, July 16, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E759]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                               HAZEL ERBY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. CORI BUSH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 16, 2021

  Ms. BUSH. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that Saint Louis 
and I rise to commemorate the life of councilwoman Hazel Erby.
  There are no words that can truly encapsulate what Hazel Erby meant 
to the St. Louis region. She was a true personification of a public 
servant. She served with grace, class, integrity, and most importantly 
from a deep place in her heart--a place that was filled with love for 
her community. That love was always evidenced by the vigor, passion, 
and unrelenting disposition she would approach her work with. She was a 
community icon and a legislative trailblazer, unafraid of going where 
others would not venture to go and speaking when many stayed silent. 
During my run for office, she maintained her love and support of me and 
she was a bedrock of encouragement when I needed it most. I faced so 
many obstacles throughout my political journey and her unyielding 
support and encouragement to both me and my staff will be etched in my 
heart forever. Hazel Erby was driven by doing what's right for all 
people, starting with those among us who have the least because she 
clearly understood that's what matters.
  ``Mama Hazel'' 's legacy will be felt for years to come as it is in 
the work she accomplished and all of the lives she touched. She was 
deeply committed to equity in government funding and was instrumental 
in establishing legislation that outlined standards and requirements 
for minority participation in government contracts. She also played a 
key role in securing funds for a recreation center in St. Louis County. 
Hazel Erby had a vision for St. Louis County, and she worked tirelessly 
on and off platforms and stages to see that vision become a reality.
  We are deeply saddened by the loss of this community giant, and I, 
like the rest of my community, am mourning her death. That said, I take 
great comfort and joy in the fact that she is left this world with an 
empty cup because she's poured so much of herself out for the 
betterment of our world. I'd say there is no better way to live. We are 
no doubt indebted to her for the service she's paid to our community.
  I thank Hazel Erby.

                          ____________________