HONORING THE LIFE OF JOY ATKINSON

On 2026-01-14, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-CA-37) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF JOY ATKINSON" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered civil rights.

HONORING THE LIFE OF JOY ATKINSON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)] [House] [Page H802] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF JOY ATKINSON (Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. KAMLAGER-DOVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the remarkable life of civil rights activist and community leader, Joy Atkinson. Joy dedicated her life to mentoring thousands of Black women to become the next generation of changemakers in Los Angeles, and I was one of them. Joy was the first person to introduce me to public policy work. Without her, I would not be standing here today as a Member of Congress. Whether advising local elected officials or leading the Los Angeles African-American Women's Public Policy Institute, her integrity, courage, and commitment to building coalitions and creating change never wavered. In my city, Joy touched the lives of anybody who was anybody. With her unexpected passing, we have not only lost a giant in the fight for justice but also a beloved mother, friend, and confidant. Her legacy will endure as we continue working toward the more equitable and inclusive society in which she so deeply believed. May she rest in peace. ____________________