Political Quotes

“I thank my wonderful colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus for organizing this session tonight. I join them today in recognizing the significant contributions of Black women to the advancement of the equal rights amendment. Of the more than 12,000 Americans who have served in Congress, only 58 have been Black women. Remarkably, despite our historic and continuous small number among the Members of the House, Black women have often been the driving force behind significant policy shifts that have paved the way for change. Among those achievements are landmark bills like the equal rights amendment, championed by Black women since its inception. A hero of many Americans inside and outside Capitol Grounds, Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm was a relentless advocate for equal rights in America. Nicknamed ``Fighting Shirley,'' she stood on this very floor in her first term and decreed that the ERA was destined to become the law of the land. Today, we honor her legacy by advocating for the long-overdue ratification of the ERA. Congresswoman Chisholm did not stand alone in her fight for equal rights. From educator and activist Mary Church Terrell in the late 19th and early 20th centuries to Congresswoman Barbara Jordan in the 1970s, Black advocates for women's suffrage helped drive the ERA forward.…”