[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 18 (Friday, January 28, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E79]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF ESTHER HOPKINS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 28, 2022

  Mr. KEATING. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the life 
of Esther Hopkins, the first African-American Framingham Selectwoman, a 
chemist, an environmental attorney, and a mother.
  Esther Hopkins passed away on May 19, 2021, at the age of 94. Hopkins 
was born on September 18, 1926, in Stamford, CT. Throughout her life, 
she broke down barriers, surpassed milestones, and led a life full of 
notable accomplishments. Hopkins was highly educated, achieving 
multiple degrees over her lifetime. She received her B.A. from Boston 
University, her M.A. and M.S from Howard University, her J.D from 
Suffolk University Law School, and her Ph.D. from Yale University. 
Esther was a chemist, environmental attorney, and elected public 
official in Framingham. She is remembered for not only those 
accomplishments but also her consistent respect and kindness towards 
others.
  Following her Ph.D., she was offered a job with the Polaroid 
Corporation where she led the Emulsion Coating and Analysis Laboratory. 
Following her time at Polaroid, she joined the Massachusetts Department 
of Environmental Protection as the Deputy General Counsel, which 
eventually led to her time as an elected official of Framingham. In 
1999, she became the first African-American woman to serve on the Board 
of Selectmen in Framingham, eventually becoming the chair of the board. 
Following her time as a Selectwoman, she joined the Keefe Tech Regional 
Vocational School Committee. Additionally, Esther was involved with the 
Framingham Finance Commission and Framingham's Tercentennial 
Celebration. After quite an impressive life and career. Hopkins retired 
to Martha's Vineyard with son, Ewell Hopkins, Jr.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Esther Hopkins. I ask that my 
colleagues join me in recognizing her accomplishments and her life. She 
will be dearly missed by so many.