[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 175 (Tuesday, October 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           PASSING OF EDUCATION PIONEER DR. SAUNDRA W. DAVIS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAREN BASS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 5, 2021

  Ms. BASS. Madam Speaker, I am marking the passing of education 
pioneer and advocate Saundra W. Davis, a leader who spent decades 
working to assure that all children in Culver City, and in Los Angeles 
more broadly, have access to a high-quality education. I had the 
privilege of meeting her as I began service in the California Assembly 
and I have long admired her dedication to public service.
  The first African American ever elected to public office in Culver 
City, she won a seat on the Culver City School Board in 2000 and served 
two terms, rising to serve as its president. Mrs. Davis' accomplishment 
marked a significant milestone in Culver City's journey to become one 
of the most progressive municipalities in the region. She remained 
active in Culver City throughout her life.
  She made progress on closing the achievement gap for students of 
color, and went on to found Community Centers Inc., (CCI) a 40-year-old 
non-profit in South Los Angeles to provide services in computer 
literacy, adult education, and immigration advocacy.
  Wife to Bilson Davis and mother to eight children, Dr. Davis had an 
early passion for education and never stopped learning herself. After 
graduating Crenshaw High School, she earned numerous degrees and 
certifications throughout her life and eventually received an honorary 
doctorate. She held a California Teaching Credential and served as 
director of Holy Temple Christian Elementary School, and later worked 
as a parent educator for the Los Angeles Unified School District. Mrs. 
Davis won several awards for her community and advocacy work including: 
an NAACP Emerging Leader award; the Delta Sigma Theta Woman of Honor 
award; the City of Los Angeles 8th District Woman of the Year. She 
leaves behind a significant legacy of community improvement and she 
will be missed.

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