The Portland City Council will be honoring Portland Senator Margaret Carter, who is retiring from 25 years of service in the Oregon Legislature, by declaring December 16, 2009 "Senator Margaret Carter Day." The ceremony will be held in the City Council Chambers in City Hall (1221 SW 4th Avenue) beginning at 6:00 PM on Wednesday December 16.
In 1984, Senator Carter became the first African American woman ever elected to the Oregon House of Representatives, and over the course of her 25 year career she became one of the most influential politicians in Oregon, establishing an impressive record that reflects her tireless pursuit of equality, her strong advocacy for women, children, and the elderly, and her focus on making government accesible to underrepresented people.
All five members of the City Council have co-sponsored the proclamation. Please read the full text of the Council proclamation here.
A reception will follow the Council ceremony in the City Hall Atrium.