Every February, America takes time to remember the important contributions and achievements to our country by African-Americans. On Thursday, February 2 Congressman Don Bacon (NE-02) commemorated African-American History Month on the House Floor by honoring Dr. Carol Mitchell of Omaha for her career of public service and dedication to education.

Dr. Mitchell was born and raised in, what was at the time, a segregated Port Arthur, Texas. After high school, she attended her first integrated school; North Texas State University in Denton. Dr. Mitchell and her twin sister, Sarah, were the first African Americans girls to be initiated in the North Texas Green Jackets, the only service organization in North Texas at that time. In addition, the sisters started the Epsilon Mu chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority on campus. After Dr. Mitchell graduated from North Texas State University with a BS in Secondary Education in 1970 she married her husband, Glenn Mitchell, and moved to Omaha.

When Dr. Mitchell moved to Omaha she continued her public service work by teaching science and chemistry in the Omaha Public Schools including 15 years at Omaha Burke High School. After leaving OPS as Science Supervisor she was hired as an instructor at the University of Nebraska – Omaha.  Carol taught science education majors in the College of Education for 22 years.  Dr. Mitchell’s public service was not just contained in the Omaha area, but she also worked abroad as well.  Through her service with the African Methodist Episcopal Church, she was able to conduct Summer Science Institutes in Chemistry and Biology for students and teachers in countries throughout southern Africa. Since 1991, she has received 21 awards, including the STEM Legacy Award from the Empowerment Network earlier this year, and the UNO Alumni Excellence in teaching Awards in 2009.

“Through her work teaching teachers, Dr. Mitchell’s influence and legacy will continue for many generations to come,” said Congressman Bacon. “She has made a lasting impression on the lives of so many students and teachers enabling them to succeed in the life or career they chose.”

In addition to honoring Dr. Mitchell on the House Floor, Congressman Bacon will present her with a ceremonial copy of the Congressional Record at Morning Star Baptist Church on February 12.

Watch Congressman Bacon's dedication floor speech: