Eddie L. Chambers

Ed Chambers was born into a life of poverty and sharecropping in the age of Jim Crow and the Great Depression.in Seale Alabama.  The family lacked resources in all areas and were told that their life situation was hopeless. These experiences fueled a determination to overcome any obstacles and to succeed on his own terms. He was exceedingly intelligent and had an innate willingness to fight any battle before him, physical or otherwise. 

 

Despite the harsh realities of his life, and his late start in school, he excelled. School gave him a sense of order,  discipline and rest. He remembers seeing books for the first time at school and recalls that on his first day, his mother told him to "obey the teachers". When he was told to read the book, he both read and memorized the entire book. Though a lack of food caused him to struggle in school at times,his exceptional memory, math and athletic skills earned him recognition and continued educational opportunities.  

                                     

His formal education included 2 years at HBCU Benedict College via a football scholarship, enrollment at Fenn College- now Cleveland State University, multiple certifications and continuing education courses to advance his career as an engineer. His college plans were interrupted when he enlisted in the army to provide an income for his mother. He served 2 years and earned the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal and the Presidential Unit Citation. During the week of his scheduled discharge, he argued with a senior officer for the promotions denied to the black soliders and was jailed. 

 

His professional career started when he was selected by the Urban league to desegregate the Apex corporation in Cleveland in a class action lawsuit. As the only African American Manager, he worked during the day and went to school in the evening. Through his studies in the sciences of chemistry and metals, he became a nationally recognized expert in what eventually became known as metallurgical engineering. At the end of his career he became a quality control inspector and traveled through the country for the Clevite/Westinghouse Corporation.

 

He was a NTA tennis champion and competed on a national level at age 80. He also taught tennis through the Warrensville Heights recreation Department and the Forrest Hills Tennis Club. He earned the designation of a Tennis Legend for the Tri-City branch of the NTA.

         

He was a political activist and throughout his life, fought against racial injustice, while advocating for equity in  educational opportunities of Black students.  He supported the Warrensville Heights School district through service and leadership on multiple committees.  In addition, he led  political campaigns to improve the school district, led voter registration drives, and served as campaign chairman for 2 Warrensville Heights Mayoral candidates.  He mentored many of Warrensville's past, present and future leaders. He was a visionary and spearheaded a  multimillion dollar bond levy to build the new elementary, middle and high schools in Warrensville. His advocacy  for Warrensville Heights students was unwavering. Warrensville Heights was and will always be his beloved home.