|
Senator Edna Brown Acknowledged for Decades of Public
Service
By Tricia Hall
Sojourner’s Truth Reporter
The Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus organized an evening
celebration to honor Senator Edna Brown for her 57 years of
public service on October 18, 2018 at The Toledo Club. |
%20Kathy%20Dadzie.%20(daughter)%20Linda%20Armstrong,%20Senator%20Brown,%20(sister%20in%20law)%20Carol%20Burroughs.JPG)
(Daughter)
Kathy Dadzie.
(daughter) Linda Armstrong, Senator Brown,
(sister in law) Carol Burroughs |
|
The celebration was attended and supported by family and
friends of Senator Brown and residents whom she has impacted
over her years of service. Almost 200 individuals filled one
of the meeting rooms inside the historic Toledo Club, dinned
on a full-course meal and listened to musical selections
delivered by The Skip Turner Band.
“Senator Brown is a woman that I respect. She is honest and
sincere public servant and person. Senator Brown works hard
to get the job done. Her legislation impacts and advocates
against abuse issues. I am happy to present this plaque to
Senator Brown on behalf of the city with Councilwoman Yvonne
Harper” explained Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.
The celebration opened with an opening prayer delivered by
Rev. William C. Davis, followed immediately by dinner.
Toledo’s former mayor Paula Hicks Hudson served as the
mistress of ceremony for the evening. Throughout the
evening, various supporters shared their personal memories
and heartfelt thanks to Senator Brown.
“It all started with this woman, Edna Brown. I am proud to
stand here and honor a female who is a trailblazer. She is
able to work with both sides, Republicans and Democrats,”
explained City of Toledo Councilwoman Yvonne Harper.
Senator Edna Brown has served in various capacities for over
50-plus years. She completed a 32-year career as a City of
Toledo employee; an eight-year tenure on Toledo City
Council; appointed to the House of Representatives to finish
Jack Ford’s term and re-elected in 2004, 2006, and 2008. On
January 3, 2011, she was elected as the first
African-American to represent the City of Toledo in the
Senate. She served as minority whip of the Ohio Senate.
“I want to thank everyone, who took the time to attend this
event,” shared Brown to a standing ovation.
The Ohio Senate Democrats thanked sponsors: AFSCME Ohio
Council 8, Ohio State Association of Nurse Anesthetists,
Representative Teresa Fedor, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur,
OAPSE/AFSCME, Ohio Association for Justice, Toledo AFL-CIO,
UWA Region 2B, UFCW Local 75, Democratic Leader Kenny Yuko.
Senator Brown has received the following awards and honors
over the course of her public service career: African
American Legacy Project 2010 legion, Tribute to Rose 2006
celebration, Council of State Governments Health Chair 2013,
Coalition of Black Trade Unionists Toledo Chapter political
achievement award, Oscar Griffin Award 2012, YWCA 2007
Milestones for achievement in government, Braden UMC award,
Josh Project Lifetime Lifesaver Award, Ohio State of
Representative resolution 2010, Outstanding Service Award
presented by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc 2002,
Legislative Leadership Award from Action Ohio Coalition for
Battered Women 2011, Northwest Ohio Black Media Association
Impact Newsmaker 2007, Mt. Nebo Baptist Church Voices of
Hope Outreach Ministry 2011, Jack Wolfe Memorial Award
presented by Ohio Association of Election Officials and
Secretary of State J Kenneth Blackwell 2006, and Toledo
Excel 2011.
|
