Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember three generational leaders who have earned the honor of being eulogized in this great Chamber and in perpetuity in our Congressional Record: Saundra Graham, Pearline James, and Mukiya Baker-Gomez, three incredible Black women whose love for community was manifest in their historic achievements and legacy they invite us all to aspire to. Mr. Speaker, I rise to mark the passing of Ms. Saundra Graham. Saundra Graham's contributions to Cambridge and the Commonwealth far outpace her impressive and well-earned list of titles: first woman of color elected to the Cambridge City Council, the first woman of color to be the vice mayor, six-term State representative, secretary to the National Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, founder of the Massachusetts Childcare Coalition, cofounder of the Riverside Cambridgeport Community Development Corporation, among others. Saundra Graham truly was a trailblazer on a mission to do good along the way, and she wasn't afraid to make good trouble in the name of justice both inside and outside of politics. She was a tenacious truth-teller, and I count myself amongst those who will miss her righteous reprimands. Her impact is an indelible one which will endure throughout our Commonwealth and in her loving family, which I know was her greatest legacy as she was a proud mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother. May she rest in peace and power. Paying Tribute to Pearline James”