Eva M. Clayton: “Mr. Speaker, when I speak of freedom, fairness, justice, and equality--words that compose the very foundation of this…”

“Mr. Speaker, when I speak of freedom, fairness, justice, and equality--words that compose the very foundation of this democracy--I often quote Barbara Jordan. Barbara Jordan was more than a leading figure, a great stateswoman, and an oratorical genius. She was the essence of leadership, the epitome of statesmanship, and the embodiment of oratory. She believed in America, and the principles underlying the creation of this Nation. More importantly, she was not afraid to fight for those principles and to stand up for her beliefs. Perhaps a speech she delivered in 1974, best captured her firmness and her fight. In discussing the meaning of the Constitution, she stated, ``We, the people.'' ``It is a very eloquent beginning.'' ``But when that document was completed on the 17th of September, in 1787, I was not included in that `We the people.' '' Barbara Jordan continued, ``I felt somehow for many years that George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, just left me out by mistake. But through the process of amendment, interpretation, and court decision, I have finally been included in, `We the people.' ''”