Date: 2010-05-11
Speaker: JACKSON LEE (democrat)
Chamber: H
State: Texas

Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of H. Res. 1094: "Commemorating the life of the late Cynthia DeLores Tucker." Although it has been almost five years since the world lost a true pioneer and leader. but the legacy of C. DeLores Tucker endures. October 13. 2005 did not mark a tragedy. rather. it marked a day of celebration as to the achievements and legacy of a paragon of the woman leader. It is an honor for me to stand here today to celebrate the passing on of Dr. C. DeLores Tucker to her rightful place among other angels and saints. Dr. Tucker represented a major segment of African American and political history in the U.S. She was among the many women stalwarts of our lifetime that led on so many different issues. The key aspect about Dr. Tuckers efforts was that they were not for personal gain. I would compare her to an eagle that spread its wings to help other womennot only African Americans. but all women. She provided the wind and momentum for other women to ascend to equality and a better quality of life. Given the long fight that our dear DeLores and I endeavored together in the Halls of Congress. I ask your short indulgence as I cite an excerpt from the words spoken by a similar pioneer. Madame Sojourner Truth. in her "Aint I a Woman?" speech delivered at a womens rights convention in Akron. Ohio in 1851: That man over there says that women need to be helped into carriages. and lifted over ditches. and to have the best place everywhere. Nobody ever helps me into carriages. or over mudpuddles. or gives me any best place! And aint I a woman? Look at me! Look at my arm! I have ploughed and planted. and gathered into barns. and no man could head me! And aint I a woman? I could work as much and eat as much as a man when I could get itand bear the lash as well! And aint I a woman? I have borne thirteen children. and seen most all sold off to slavery. and when I cried out with my mothers grief. none but Jesus heard me! And aint I a woman?... If my cup wont hold but a pint. and yours holds a quart. wouldnt you be mean not to let me have my little half measure full? Then that little man in black there. he says women cant have as much rights as men. cause Christ wasnt a woman! Where did your Christ come from? Where did your Christ come from? From God and a woman! Man had nothing to do with Him. If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone. these women together ought to be able to turn it back. and get it right side up again! And now they is asking to do it. the men better let them. Obliged to you for hearing me. and now old Sojourner aint got nothing more to say. Dr. Tucker did just thisshe fought until the fight was made. she spoke until "she aint [had] nothing more to say." For womens rights. civil rights. the disenfranchised. or the underrepresented. she stood up like a warrior and a leader. and the progress she made will be enjoyed by many for as long as man exists. As author Ron Daniels said in his opinion piece in the Madison Times. DeLores was not afraid to denounce gang violence. fratricide. or the denigration of women in rap lyrics. not afraid to implore our children to devote less time to athletics and more to academics. and staunchly advocated excellence in education. improved parenting skills. and the harnessing of our economic resources as a distinct market. It did not have to be sexy. popular. or selfpromoting to be right for Dr. C. DeLores Tucker. and I had the privilege of standing next to her in the trenches of the fight for equality. Mr. Speaker. Dr. C. DeLores Tucker was a close and valued friend for many years. Her crusade for womens and civil rights served not only as an inspiration to women. minorities. and other traditionally disadvantaged groups. but to all of society. and her lifelong service indeed worked for its betterment. From her devout involvement in the Democratic Party to her founding of the Philadelphia Martin Luther King. Jr.. Association for NonViolent Change. she embodied the tenacity and courage necessary to eradicate the disparities and bigotry that continues to constrain the attainment of equality. Of her many endearing qualities were the fact that her service was never for personal gain and that it was boundlessshe never hesitated to travel the extra mile to help others. This was evident in her singular work as the lead advocate to urge the recognition and honor of abolitionist Sojourner Truth with the addition of her likeness to the statue commemorating womens suffrage in the rotunda of the United States Capitol. Bill. as you know. her determined. passionate. and powerful efforts have ultimately resulted in the honoring of Sojourner Truth. Our own DeLores was in her own right a guiding light of truth. The love and devotion that she displayed in this endeavor continue to inspire legislators and supporters.