    [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 37 (Tuesday, February 25, 2025)]
    [House]
    [Page H776]
    From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

              CELEBRATING EVA AND HERB PORTER AS COMMUNITY PILLARS

      The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
    Illinois (Mrs. Ramirez) for 5 minutes.
      Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as we celebrate Black History
    Month to uplift two of my constituents and pillars of the Hanover Park
    community, Eva and Herb Porter. Both have shared more than 40 years of
    love, leadership, and unwavering dedication to civic engagement.
      Eva Porter is a beloved retired educator in our community. After 30
    years of teaching, she has continued to shape young minds in and beyond
    the classroom.
      Eva has served as a trustee of the Poplar Creek Library Board and as
    a board member for school district U-46. Her passion for service shines
    through her volunteer work with organizations like Kids Hope USA and
    the American Cancer Society.
      Eva's passion and commitment to public service is matched only by her
    dear husband, Herb. Currently serving as a deputy mayor of Hanover
    Park, Herb Porter became the first-ever African-American Hanover Park
    trustee when he was elected in 2019. With nearly a decade of elected
    office, Herb is currently the longest serving African-American public
    official in the northwest suburban area.
      He continues to serve his community in his roles on the governing
    board for the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook
    County as well as the board of the Alignment Collaborative for
    Education.

                                  {time}  1045

      Proud members of the DuPage NAACP, Eva and Herb Porter's legacy of
    service and uplifting diversity and equity have inspired countless
    community members to get involved in civic engagement, including their
    daughter, Dr. Chantelle Porter, who was just elected in 2022 as the
    first Black female judge in DuPage County.
      While we think of being first and only, we know we still have a long
    way to go to truly have parity and representation across this country,
    but the Porter family's extensive service to the Hanover Park community
    is a reminder of just how seriously our local communities take our
    responsibility to serve our neighbors and to do so with compassion and
    care.
      Today, I rise to speak of their leadership, dedication, and exemplary
    service, which serves as a reminder to each of us here in Congress that
    we also have the very same responsibility to care for our neighbors and
    our working families, not special interests and unaccountable
    billionaires.
      As we take the time to celebrate history, we are also reminded that
    we are making history every single day in these Chambers and back home
    in our districts. Let it be good history. Let it be history that we are
    proud of.
      Our constituents, including Herb and Eva, are meeting this moment
    with the urgency it deserves, and they rightfully expect us to follow
    their lead. I know I will.
      On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District on this 25th day
    of February, 2025, I commend Eva and Herb Porter for their lifelong
    commitment to modeling civic responsibility, community service, and
    courageous leadership.
      Congratulations to Eva and Herb.

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