[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 213 (Thursday, December 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1354]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING CITY COUNCIL MEMBER ELLA MAE SMALL FOR A LIFETIME OF COMMUNITY 
                           AND PUBLIC SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD HUDSON

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 9, 2021

  Mr. HUDSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor City Council Member 
Ella Mae Small for a lifetime of service to her community and local 
government in Cabarrus County, North Carolina.
  Upon graduation from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 
Councilwoman Small first worked as a schoolteacher in multiple 
districts throughout North Carolina and Georgia and served as a 
professor at North Carolina A&T University. After retiring from 
teaching, she assumed the high calling of public service when she 
completed her husband Allen Small's term on the Concord City Council 
after he passed while holding office. As the first African American 
female member of the Council, Councilwoman Small paved the way for 
greater diversity in local representation and provided astute and 
knowledgeable leadership on the Council for over 15 years.
  Over the course of her career, Councilwoman Small has exhibited 
exceptional commitment and dedication to improving her community. As a 
schoolteacher, she served as one of the first kindergarten teachers in 
North Carolina. Her influence as a trailblazer helped cement this 
position as a permanent fixture of primary education. Praised highly by 
her peers, Councilwoman Small exerted similar influence on the Concord 
City Council to serve as a catalyst for positive change. For example, 
this past year she helped take charge of creating the Concord United 
Committee for the purpose of further addressing issues associated with 
race, equity, and diversity in the City. Her exemplary leadership 
provides a standard for all public servants. Although well-known for 
her role and initiatives as Councilwoman, she has also remained firmly 
committed to carrying out her responsibilities as a concerned citizen 
by holding many positions with national and local organizations such as 
the National Education Association and the Cabarrus Community Council 
among many others.
  I would like to extend my most heartfelt appreciation to Councilwoman 
Small for her years of exemplary service as a teacher, community 
leader, and public servant. I speak for our entire community in wishing 
her and her family continued success and happiness as she moves into 
retirement.
  Madam Speaker, please join me today in honoring Councilwoman Ella Mae 
Small for her extraordinary service.

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