On the recordNovember 30, 2023
Today I rise to honor Dr. James West, a revered Wake County commissioner and a true champion for the people of North Carolina. It is with deep sorrow that we mark his passing but with immense gratitude that we celebrate his legacy. His journey, from protesting segregation in the sixties along with Jesse Jackson to serving as a Raleigh City councilman and Wake County commissioner, was marked by a relentless commitment to justice and equality. Dr. West's legacy is not just in the numerous programs he initiated or the pivotal policies he championed but in the countless lives that he touched, mine included, the community leaders he inspired, and the unquantifiable impact of his vision and compassion. We remember Dr. West for his Dr. West-isms, his wisdom, and his unwavering faith in the power of community. As we mourn Dr. James West's passing, we also celebrate his extraordinary life, a life dedicated to service, equality, and the betterment of Wake County and its people. Celebrating Mr. Ira David Wood III
