Adams Honors Scarborough on House Floor
Like many HBCU graduates from her generation, she made history. She was the first African American woman elected to the Charlotte City Council, and the first to serve as the chair of the Mecklenburg County Commission. Her leadership opened doors and inspired others. She encouraged other Black women to run and serve.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, on the floor of the United States House of Representatives, Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) delivered a speech celebrating the life and works of the Honorable Ella Scarborough, the first African American woman to serve on the Charlotte City Council, as well as the first to chair the Mecklenburg County Board of County Commissioners. Additionally, Adams entered into the Congressional Record a statement from the Board of County Commissioners honoring their late chair.
"Ella's survival – in the first days of her life, during the Civil Rights Movement, and even at the Orangeburg Massacre – was a miracle, but the greater miracle of Ella Scarborough was that after she counted her many blessings, she extended those blessings to others – both as a member of her faith home, Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and as an elected official and public servant," said Adams. "Blessings are not just ours to have, but to give. That was the lesson I hope we can all learn from Councilwoman, Commissioner, and Chairwoman Ella Scarborough as we honor and remember her."
Video of the speech is available on C-SPAN here.
Video of the speech is available on YouTube here.
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