Floor SpeechNeutral2026-07-02

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM

HealthcareTaxesHousingCrime & JusticeVeteransAgriculture

Context

On 2026-07-02, Representative Bradley Scott Schneider (D-IL-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E648-E649] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM ______ HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, July 2, 2026 Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember a remarkable community leader and a dear personal friend, Dr, Mary Ross Cunningham. Mary was a force of nature--larger than life, with the biggest of hearts and the most indomitable spirit. For more than two decades in her hometown of Waukegan, Illinois, and across Lake County, she served her community with dignity and grace, fiercely advocating for those she represented. Born on November 19, 1945, in rural Alabama, Mary Ross was one of 22 children. She later moved to Chicago and then to Waukegan with her husband, Samuel Davis Cunningham, to build a life and raise their family. Following the tragic murder of her husband in 1968, Mary became the sole provider for their four children--Emerson, Sam, Jackie, and the late Alvin. Through determination, faith, and perseverance, she instilled in her family the values of education, service, and respect. Her own experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to helping others overcome hardship with dignity and hope. Before entering elected office, Dr. Cunningham devoted nearly three decades to serving veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago. She also worked extensively with the Waukegan Housing Authority, Community Action Partnership, and PADS Lake County, becoming a tireless advocate for affordable housing, economic opportunity, and individuals experiencing homelessness. In 2002, Dr. Cunningham was elected to represent District 9 on the Lake County Board, serving portions of Waukeean and North Chicago. In 2018, she made history as the first Black woman to serve in Board leadership when she was elected Vice Chair, a position she held with distinction until her untimely passing. Throughout her tenure, Mary championed equitable access to county services, public health, veterans services, workforce development, and criminal justice initiatives. She was instrumental in establishing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a fixed county holiday for employees and worked to expand opportunities for residents through numerous county and national leadership roles. As a member of the Lake County Forest Preserves Board, Dr. Cunningham believed that everyone should feel welcome in the county's natural spaces. She was especially devoted to the annual Gospelfest celebration, helping it grow into a beloved tradition that brought people together through music. Mary never lost sight of the people she served. She encouraged others to remember why they sought public office. Beyond her public accomplishments, she was known for her warmth, generosity, elegant style, and vibrant spirit. Above all, she took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose accomplishments reflected the values she worked to instill. Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. I will miss her as a colleague and as a mentor, but most of all as a friend. I send my deepest condolences to the entire Cunningham family and to the community mourning this great loss. May her memory forever be a blessing. [[Page E649]] ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 110 (Thursday, July 2, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E648-E649] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF DR. MARY ROSS CUNNINGHAM ______ HON. BRADLEY SCOTT SCHNEIDER of illinois in the house of representatives Thursday, July 2, 2026 Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember a remarkable community leader and a dear personal friend, Dr, Mary Ross Cunningham. Mary was a force of nature--larger than life, with the biggest of hearts and the most indomitable spirit. For more than two decades in her hometown of Waukegan, Illinois, and across Lake County, she served her community with dignity and grace, fiercely advocating for those she represented. Born on November 19, 1945, in rural Alabama, Mary Ross was one of 22 children. She later moved to Chicago and then to Waukegan with her husband, Samuel Davis Cunningham, to build a life and raise their family. Following the tragic murder of her husband in 1968, Mary became the sole provider for their four children--Emerson, Sam, Jackie, and the late Alvin. Through determination, faith, and perseverance, she instilled in her family the values of education, service, and respect. Her own experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to helping others overcome hardship with dignity and hope. Before entering elected office, Dr. Cunningham devoted nearly three decades to serving veterans at the Veterans Administration Hospital in North Chicago. She also worked extensively with the Waukegan Housing Authority, Community Action Partnership, and PADS Lake County, becoming a tireless advocate for affordable housing, economic opportunity, and individuals experiencing homelessness. In 2002, Dr. Cunningham was elected to represent District 9 on the Lake County Board, serving portions of Waukeean and North Chicago. In 2018, she made history as the first Black woman to serve in Board leadership when she was elected Vice Chair, a position she held with distinction until her untimely passing. Throughout her tenure, Mary championed equitable access to county services, public health, veterans services, workforce development, and criminal justice initiatives. She was instrumental in establishing Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a fixed county holiday for employees and worked to expand opportunities for residents through numerous county and national leadership roles. As a member of the Lake County Forest Preserves Board, Dr. Cunningham believed that everyone should feel welcome in the county's natural spaces. She was especially devoted to the annual Gospelfest celebration, helping it grow into a beloved tradition that brought people together through music. Mary never lost sight of the people she served. She encouraged others to remember why they sought public office. Beyond her public accomplishments, she was known for her warmth, generosity, elegant style, and vibrant spirit. Above all, she took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, whose accomplishments reflected the values she worked to instill. Dr. Mary Ross Cunningham leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. I will miss her as a colleague and as a mentor, but most of all as a friend. I send my deepest condolences to the entire Cunningham family and to the community mourning this great loss. May her memory forever be a blessing. [[Page E649]] ____________________