Hazel Erby facts for kids

Hazel M. Erby (born September 22, 1945 – died July 2, 2021) was an important American politician. She was a member of the Democratic Party. Hazel Erby served on the St. Louis County Council, which is like a local government group that helps run St. Louis County.

In 2004, she made history by becoming the first Black woman to join the council. She represented the first district from 2004 to 2019. Later, in 2009, she became the first Black woman to lead the council as its chair. In 2019, she took on another new role, becoming the first Director of Diversity and Inclusion for St. Louis County.

Early Life and Education

Hazel Erby grew up and went to school in Missouri. She graduated from Vashon High School. After high school, she continued her education at two different universities. She attended both Lincoln University and Harris–Stowe State University.

Hazel Erby's Career in Public Service

Before joining the St. Louis County Council, Hazel Erby was very active in her community. She was the president of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) for several schools in University City. A PTO is a group of parents and teachers who work together to support their school.

She was also a Democratic committeewoman for University Township. This meant she helped organize and support the Democratic Party in her local area. She was also a member of the National Council of Negro Women. This group works to improve the lives of Black women and their families. She also served on the board of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

Serving on the St. Louis County Council

Hazel Erby was a member of the St. Louis County Council from 2004 to 2019. She first won a special election to join the council. Then, she was re-elected three more times in 2006, 2010, and 2014. She represented the first district, which includes the city of Ferguson, Missouri.

In 2009, she became the first Black woman to chair the council. This meant she led the meetings and helped guide the council's work. When a major event happened in Ferguson in August 2014, she was the only Black member on the council. She later became a leader of the Fannie Lou Hamer Coalition. This group was made up of Black elected officials who worked for political change.

During her time on the county council, Hazel Erby worked hard to make things fair. She helped create new rules in 2018. These rules made sure that minority-owned businesses had a fair chance to get county contracts. She also helped get money for a new recreation center in north St. Louis County in 2019. This center would provide fun activities and a safe place for the community.

Director of Diversity and Inclusion

In 2019, Hazel Erby was chosen by County Executive Sam Page for a new job. She became the first director of diversity, equity, and inclusion for St. Louis County. In this role, she worked to make sure everyone was treated fairly and included. She left this role in August 2020 after raising concerns about fairness related to county contracts.

Council Committee Work

While on the county council, Hazel Erby was part of several important committees. These committees focus on different areas of county business.

• Committee of the Whole: This committee includes all members of the council.
• Committee on Disabilities: This group worked on issues important to people with disabilities.
• Justice, Health, and Welfare: She was the leader (Chairman) of this committee. It focused on topics like justice, health, and the well-being of the community.

Personal Life

Hazel Erby was married to her husband, Louis, for 56 years. They lived in University City for over fifty years. Together, they had three children.

Death and Lasting Impact

Hazel Erby passed away on July 2, 2021, at the age of 75. She had been battling pancreatic cancer. After she died, people remembered her as a very important leader. St. Louis Public Radio called her one of the "Matriarchs of Black Politics" in St. Louis. A matriarch is a respected female leader.

Before she passed away, the Missouri Legislature honored her. They declared her birthday, September 22, as "Hazel Erby Day." This special day celebrates her life and all the good things she did for her community.