Mecklenburg County Government: ​Late Commissioner Ella B. Scarborough Honored On Floor

Davidson NC

09 June, 2022

7:20 PM

Description

Press release from the Mecklenburg County Government: 6/8/2022 Description1 U.S. Representative Alma Adams, who serves Mecklenburg County and North Carolina in Congress, this week honored the late County Commissioner Ella B. Scarborough for her life, public service, and role as a civil rights and political pioneer. In an address from the House floor, Congresswoman Adams remembered Scarborough as "a champion for the people of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and North Carolina; a trailblazer for Black women, especially those in public service; a sincere, authentic, humble servant of God who always looked out for 'the least of these.'" She also shared excerpts from a remembrance presented by the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, which is entered into the Congressional Record as part of her address. Commissioner Scarborough passed away on May 24 at the age of 75. She served on the Board of County Commissioners from her election at large in 2014 until this year. From 2016 to 2018, she served as Chair, the first African American woman to be elected to that position. During her time on the Board, Commissioner Scarborough advocated for youth literacy and for solutions to homelessness. She also chaired the Board of County Commissioners' Economic Development Committee. Previously, Commissioner Scarborough made history as the first African American woman to be elected to the Charlotte City Council, serving from 1987–1997 (district and at-large). She was also a statewide candidate for U.S. Senate in 1998 and ran for Charlotte mayor in 1999 and 2001. In 2008, Commissioner Scarborough served as a North Carolina delegate at the Democratic National Convention. In the 1960s, during her youth in South Carolina, she became known for her activity in the civil rights movement. This press release was produced by the Mecklenburg County Government. The views expressed here are the author's own.