Mecklenburg County commissioners to name building after Ella Scarborough

CHARLOTTE — The late Ella Scarborough’s name is already inside the Government Center as one of the people seated in office when it was built.

When the county’s newest government building opens, former Mecklenburg County Commissioner Scarborough’s name will be at the top.

Mecklenburg County commissioners are paying tribute to their former colleague. They voted unanimously Tuesday night to move forward with naming the new Northeast Community Resource Center after Scarborough.

“We have the opportunity to do something in honor of somebody who was not only a colleague but the living embodiment of a public servant,” Commissioner Mark Jerrell said.

Scarborough was 75 years old when she died in May 2022.

“I can’t think of a better way to honor her, her legacy, and her memory,” he said.

Scarborough is remembered and celebrated as a trailblazer. She was the first Black woman to be elected to the Charlotte City Council. She served the city for 10 years and then another eight years as a commissioner for Mecklenburg County.

Commissioner Pat Cotham was one of her closest friends.

“There’s not a day that goes by where I don’t think about her,” she said. “I think about her every day.”

When it opens, the Northeast Community Resource Center will be home to the county’s Health and Human Services offices. Commissioners will officially name the building after Scarborough on March 7 after a public hearing.

Cotham hopes the community will continue to find ways to honor Scarborough’s legacy.

“I think it is a good start,” she said. “I hope we do more.”

Scarborough was a librarian, and Cotham said she has been asked if the library will be named after her. Cotham said the library’s board has that power, not commissioners.

Cotham hopes the Charlotte City Council will join them in honoring Scarborough.

VIDEO: Mecklenburg County Commissioner Ella Scarborough dies at 75

Mecklenburg County Commissioner Ella Scarborough dies at 75

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