Women's History Month

Floor Speech

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, I thank my coanchor, Jonathan Jackson, from the great State of Illinois for coanchoring this Special Order for the last year and a half I think it is.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the courageous Black women trailblazers whose determination and unwavering dedication have shaped the history of our country. Because of them, I can speak before you on this floor today.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we reflect on the courage and the commitment of Black women who have left an indelible mark on our society and inspired future generations to carry the torch of justice.

Among these trailblazers stands Shirley Chisholm, who shattered the glass ceiling in American politics. She holds a special place in my heart.

Shirley Chisholm broke down the barriers and beat the odds to become the first Black woman elected to Congress in 1968. She proudly fought for the rights of neglected communities and progressive politics that benefit working families.

Her historic 1972 Presidential campaign upended the status quo and gave hope to a new generation of leaders by encouraging them to trust in the strength of their voices.

However, Shirley Chisholm wasn't alone. She was surrounded by women such as Barbara Jordan, a powerful force in American politics due to her unrelenting devotion to justice. She made history by being the first Black woman elected to the Texas Senate and the first Black woman from the South to be elected to United States House of Representatives. She worked nonstop to advocate for civil rights, immigration reform, and the rule of law.

Last year, we mourned the loss of Eddie Bernice Johnson. I had the honor of serving alongside her at the end of the 117th Congress. Her whole life was about serving others, whether it was as a nurse at the VA in Dallas or in the Halls of this very institution.

These trailblazers and countless others who followed in their footsteps have made a lasting impression on women's history. Their legacy is proof of the perseverance of the American people. We can pay tribute to these extraordinary people during Women's History Month by recommitting to the fight for justice, equality, and opportunity for all Americans.

In their honor, let us strive to create a better union for all the generations to come.

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Mrs. CHERFILUS-McCORMICK. Madam Speaker, as we gather here today, we must recognize and honor the contributions of Black women in politics. These leaders have paved the way for all women to have a seat at the table.

When we look back at significant historical events like the civil rights movement, we tend to overlook the women who played significant roles behind the scenes. The time to acknowledge their contributions and celebrate their achievements is long overdue.

There is one particular person who I would like to highlight, Ms. Prathia Hall. Born on January 1, 1940, she was known by various titles, including mother, preacher, feminist, and civil rights activist. Most importantly, she was the key inspiration behind Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s prominent ``I Have a Dream'' speech delivered during the August 1963 March on Washington.

Despite experiencing racism and personal tragedies from a young age, Hall was able to follow in her father's footsteps and become a passionate advocate for racial and social justice.

This story is simply one of many who, despite being a key piece to the puzzle of our democratic system and making up 7.8 percent of the population, Black women are less than 5 percent officeholders elected to serve in executive offices, Congress, and State legislatures.

Black women have given 110 percent of their time and efforts in leading and serving as attorneys, plaintiffs, organizers, educators, secretaries, and while playing many more roles in the background.

March is a significant month to honor the contributions of Black women in American history. We shouldn't just honor the legacy of Prathia Hall on this single day. It is our responsibility to honor her every single day from now on.

As Black women continue to struggle for representation, we have a responsibility to ensure that the progress made by Black women in the past is not lost. We have a responsibility to pursue and fight for equality for everyone and make sure our fight for equality is eventually attained.

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