[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 180 (Wednesday, November 1, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H5224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING GOLDIE BURBAGE, A TRAILBLAZER IN EAST ORANGE, NEW JERSEY

  (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great trailblazer in 
my district, Goldie Burbage.
  Ms. Burbage made history in East Orange, New Jersey. She was the 
first African-American woman to serve as the executive assistant to an 
East Orange mayor. She served under Mayor James Kelly and the city's 
first African-American mayor, William Hart.
  During her time in Mayor Hart's office, Ms. Burbage created the 
Offices of Employment and Training, Drug Abuse, and Personnel. Her work 
earned her a promotion to become the city's first chief personnel 
officer.
  Outside of her career, Ms. Burbage was a well-known and respected 
social justice advocate. She founded the Historical Society of East 
Orange and served as vice president of the East Orange Chamber of 
Commerce. Her community support earned her induction into the East 
Orange Hall of Fame.
  Many residents referred to her as the matriarch of their community, 
and I am proud to honor her on this day.

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