[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)]
[House]
[Pages H2307-H2308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MAMA GWEN REED

  (Mr. BELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a legend of St. Louis 
who passed away last week.
  Mama Reed knew no strangers in her community. She lived a life of 
service.

[[Page H2308]]

As one of the first Black teachers in the Hazelwood School District, a 
committeewoman, a mentor, mother, sister, auntie, she led through her 
example, her advice, and her unconditional and sometimes tough love.
  As I think about the term ``rest in power,'' its meaning, as I stand 
here, I have a moment of clarity because I stand here feeling an 
intense obligation to honor her and send her off right, and as I am 
going forward, a desire to make her proud although she is no longer 
with us. That is power.
  Mr. Speaker, may Mama Gwen Reed rest in it, and we love her.

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