LYNN — Rashida Ellis, a 2022 World Champion Boxer, was presented with state and city citations at Tuesday night’s City Council Meeting.
When Ward 6 Councilor Fred Hogan announced Ellis, the first American woman to win gold for lightweight boxing, the crowd, among which sat Ellis’ friends and family, roared with applause.
“Tonight we are here for a very special moment in Lynn history … I’ve recognized city champions, we’ve recognized state champions, we’ve even recognized the National Champion Wrestling Cheerlead Team last year, but tonight, we are recognizing a World Champion from Lynn, Massachusetts,” Hogan said. “We are [going to] do another parade when she wins the Olympic gold medal, which is gonna happen.”
When state Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Rep. Daniel Cahill approached the podium to present Ellis with a state citation, Crighton said that Ellis’ achievement made history, and will encourage others to follow their dreams.
“We have a really strong history — a history of athletes, a history of firsts. Ellis and this generation has inspired so many to follow their dreams, to get up when they’re down, to keep fighting, it’s an honor, and I’m kind of scared to stand next to you,” Crighton said.
Hogan presented Ellis with an award of recognition from the City Council before Mayor Jared Nicholson took the microphone and announced that a road sign reading “City of Lynn: Home of Rashida Ellis, World Champion” would be placed on Western Avenue near the corner of Victory Road.
“If anyone knows the word ‘victory’ it is Rashida Ellis,” Nicholson said.
“Congratulations, Rashida. This is so exciting, and it’s such an honor to be here on behalf of the city of Lynn, and congratulate you for your amazing accomplishments,” Nicholson said. “Who we recognize and celebrate says a lot about our values, and this is just a wonderful moment for the city, and we’re so proud, and so excited, that we want to establish and share a permanent recognition of your accomplishment here in the city of Lynn,” said Nicholson.
When Ellis approached the podium to accept her award and pose for photographs with her family, she banged the gavel and jokingly warned the crowd to “quiet down.”
“You’re gonna see me at the 2024 Olympics. This is only the beginning for me, so stay tuned,” Ellis said. “I’m feeling good. I’m happy that my city’s supporting me and always has my back. I feel good to come home to this, it’s great,” Ellis said.
Anthony Cammalleri can be reached at [email protected].
