[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 88 (Wednesday, May 24, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H2553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF GEORGE PATRICK EVANS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Ms. Sewell) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the 
extraordinary life and legacy of a trailblazing public servant and 
educator, Selma Mayor George Patrick Evans, who passed away at the age 
of 78 on May 15.
  A native of Selma, Alabama, Mayor Evans overcame great diversity and 
adversity to break down barriers for generations of leaders like myself 
to follow.
  An educator, coach, basketball referee, principal, superintendent, 
city council president, and mayor, Evans wore many hats; but the common 
thread was service. He loved our hometown of Selma, Alabama, and he 
served her well.
  He dedicated over 40 years to the Dallas County Public School System, 
cultivating an impactful career molding, teaching, coaching, and 
mentoring the youth of Selma and Dallas County.
  In 1994, he made history again as the first African-American 
superintendent of Dallas County Public Schools.
  He began his career in electoral politics in the Selma City Council. 
In this role, he brought the same passion, love of people and 
community, making history as the first African-American president of 
the Selma City Council.
  In 2008, he earned more distinctions, as the second African-American 
mayor of the city of Selma in its 192-year history. During his two 
terms as Selma's mayor, Evans led the Queen City through the recession 
of 2008, the implementation of the city's optic fiber network, and 
helped address the lingering impact of segregation within Selma's 
community. I was proud to partner with Mayor Evans to bring vital 
Federal resources home to Selma and Dallas County.
  From his demonstrated efforts to revitalize downtown Selma to his 
commitment to making our community safer and stronger, Mayor Evans 
fought hard to improve the lives of the people he served. His foresight 
propelled the city of Selma forward and cemented his legacy as a 
trusted leader in our community.
  On a personal note, I have known Mayor Evans all my life. I even 
served as his family's babysitter during my youth. Mayor Evans has 
always been a man of great character and honor whose love of God, 
family, and community has been his guiding principle.
  Through all of his accomplishments, he has led by example through his 
hard work, perseverance, grit, and kindness. His public service has 
left an indelible imprint on the city of Selma, and we will miss him 
terribly.
  Let us not weep, but find comfort in knowing that his incredible 
legacy will live on in the many people he touched.
  On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring and celebrating the extraordinary 
life and legacy of Selma's mayor, George Patrick Evans, for his decades 
of service to the city of Selma, Dallas County, and the entire State of 
Alabama. May he rest in peace and power.

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