Sheila Jackson Lee: “I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership and tenacity, and that of her coanchor, the Honorable Brenda Lawrence. They…”

“I thank the gentlewoman for her leadership and tenacity, and that of her coanchor, the Honorable Brenda Lawrence. They are so correct. This is the year of Black Woman Rising. I can't help but celebrate the quote from the Honorable Shirley Chisholm, whom I had the privilege of introducing more than once as a younger woman. One will never forget that experience and never forget the experience of just being around the Honorable Shirley Chisholm and the Honorable Barbara Jordan. They both came from similar stock on opposite sides of the Nation, but they were strong, stern, committed, and ready to serve; and serve, I like to think, without foolishness. So I love the quote of Congresswoman Chisholm that said: If there is no chair for you at the table, then bring a folding chair. I am paraphrasing. What a celebration. Let me be very clear, it can go for Black women today in the 21st century. I do want to acknowledge and to thank all women in this Women's History Month for their leadership and service. I want to particularly take note of our lost, late colleague, the Honorable Louise Slaughter, and say that if there was ever a mighty woman of great leadership, tenacity, and strength, it was our dear friend, Louise Slaughter. We honor her now and as well in the months to come. As we talk about women of color, and in this instance, Black women, let me tell my colleagues that was about 400 or 500 of my sorors on Saturday.…”