[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 83 (Tuesday, May 14, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E487]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING ALFREDA HELEN ABBOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Ms. LEE of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of long-time community activist, Alfreda Helen Abbott, who 
passed away at the age of 92 on March 2, 2024, in Oakland.
  Alfreda was born on March 8, 1931, and raised in Oakland, graduating 
from Oakland High School in 1949 and with her Bachelor of Arts from UC 
Berkeley some years later.
  After completing her degree, she married Robert P. Abbott on June 6, 
1954. They were married for 56 years before Robert passed away in 2010.
  Alfreda was an avid traveler, who had visited six continents. Along 
with traveling, she enjoyed caring for her plants, spending time with 
family, fine dining, and public service.
  Her love for public service manifested in her professional life, 
where she served as a Deputy Public Officer for Alameda County and a 
Group Counselor for the Social Service Bureau. She was also an original 
member of the Oakland Black Caucus in the 1960s. Alfreda was one of the 
founding members of the Black Women Organized for Political Action and 
continued to serve on the state board for several years.
  Alfreda had a long career in the government, serving as an Advisor 
and Field Representative for California State Senator Nicholas Petris 
for over 30 years. Upon her retirement from Senator Petris' office, she 
returned to local government to serve as Chief of Staff for Oakland 
City Council member Dezie Woods-Jones.
  Alfreda always stayed active in her community, serving on the Oakland 
Unified School Board, the Oakland Planning Commission, the Bay Area 
Urban League, the NAACP, the Black Educators Association, the 
California Democratic Party, Delta Sigma Theta sorority, and the Board 
of Directors of the Museum Association. I honor Alfreda Abbott's long-
standing commitment to community activism in Oakland and beyond.
  Alfreda Helen Abbott is survived by her two sons, Ross Abbott and 
Brian Abbott, one ``daughter-in-love'', Carolyn Abbott, two 
Goddaughters, Michelle Randle and Carla Kennedy, and a grandson, Kamal 
Kennedy, along with a host of cousins.

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