Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-01-30

REMEMBERING IRMADINE CARSON

TaxesEnvironmentHousingCrime & Justice

Context

On 2026-01-30, Representative Vince Fong (R-CA-20) delivered a floor speech titled "REMEMBERING IRMADINE CARSON" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered the environment, housing.

Full Text

REMEMBERING IRMADINE CARSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E83] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING IRMADINE CARSON ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Friday, January 30, 2026 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Irmadine ``Irma'' Carson of Bakersfield, California, who passed away on January 9, 2026, after a lifetime of service to our community in the Central Valley. Born on June 24, 1935, to Booker T. Jenkins, Sr., and Benny Mae Jenkins, Ms. Carson moved with her family from St. Louis, Missouri, to Bakersfield in 1953. In 1955, she married Earnest Carson, and together they raised three daughters: Sharon, Karen (Patty), and Camille. Years later, she also became the grandmother of Chris, Jason, and Leslie, taking great pride in her growing family of grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Ms. Carson dedicated her life to being a public servant and made a distinguished career as a trailblazer who supported her community. In 1959, Ms. Carson became the first Black woman employed at Bakersfield City Hall. She later joined the Bakersfield Police Department as its first Black female officer and went on to become the department's first Black female detective and a patrol sergeant until her retirement in 1989. While working, Ms. Carson earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from California State University, Bakersfield, in 1978. The next year, she was elected to the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education, where she served for 15 years and focused on strengthening educational outcomes for local students. In 1994, Ms. Carson was elected to the Bakersfield City Council, becoming the first Black woman to serve in that role. For 16 years, she represented Ward 1 in southeast Bakersfield, concentrating on housing, neighborhood development, youth services, and economic stability. After retiring from law enforcement, Ms. Carson continued her work as Executive Director of the Ebony Counseling Center, expanding programs addressing addiction recovery, public health education, and family support throughout Kern County. Ms. Carson is remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and mentor whose influence continues through the people and institutions she served. She is survived by her sisters, Cecile Chavis and Dolores Chavis, as well as extended family and longtime friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Irmadine Carson and her lasting contributions to Bakersfield and the Central Valley. ____________________

View original source →

REMEMBERING IRMADINE CARSON Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 22 (Friday, January 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E83] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING IRMADINE CARSON ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Friday, January 30, 2026 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Irmadine ``Irma'' Carson of Bakersfield, California, who passed away on January 9, 2026, after a lifetime of service to our community in the Central Valley. Born on June 24, 1935, to Booker T. Jenkins, Sr., and Benny Mae Jenkins, Ms. Carson moved with her family from St. Louis, Missouri, to Bakersfield in 1953. In 1955, she married Earnest Carson, and together they raised three daughters: Sharon, Karen (Patty), and Camille. Years later, she also became the grandmother of Chris, Jason, and Leslie, taking great pride in her growing family of grandchildren and great- grandchildren. Ms. Carson dedicated her life to being a public servant and made a distinguished career as a trailblazer who supported her community. In 1959, Ms. Carson became the first Black woman employed at Bakersfield City Hall. She later joined the Bakersfield Police Department as its first Black female officer and went on to become the department's first Black female detective and a patrol sergeant until her retirement in 1989. While working, Ms. Carson earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from California State University, Bakersfield, in 1978. The next year, she was elected to the Bakersfield City School District Board of Education, where she served for 15 years and focused on strengthening educational outcomes for local students. In 1994, Ms. Carson was elected to the Bakersfield City Council, becoming the first Black woman to serve in that role. For 16 years, she represented Ward 1 in southeast Bakersfield, concentrating on housing, neighborhood development, youth services, and economic stability. After retiring from law enforcement, Ms. Carson continued her work as Executive Director of the Ebony Counseling Center, expanding programs addressing addiction recovery, public health education, and family support throughout Kern County. Ms. Carson is remembered as a devoted mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and mentor whose influence continues through the people and institutions she served. She is survived by her sisters, Cecile Chavis and Dolores Chavis, as well as extended family and longtime friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the memory of Irmadine Carson and her lasting contributions to Bakersfield and the Central Valley. ____________________