Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-02-24

HONORING JOANNE BLAND

TaxesLaborVoting RightsInfrastructureCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-02-24, Representative Terri A. Sewell (D-AL-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING JOANNE BLAND" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered labor policy, voting rights. It referenced legislation: S2024.

Full Text

HONORING JOANNE BLAND

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H2261] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JOANNE BLAND (Ms. Sewell of Alabama was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of foot soldier, freedom fighter, and civil rights icon Ms. Joanne Bland, who passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 72. As a proud daughter of Selma, Alabama, Joanne dedicated her life to the struggle for civil rights and voting rights. As an active member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she joined the movement at a remarkably young age. At just 11 years old, she was one of the youngest participants in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. Joanne's courage did not end on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. By her early teens, Joanne had been arrested at least 13 times for her participation in civil rights demonstrations. She was also among the courageous students who integrated A.G. Parrish High School, where she opened doors of opportunity for countless children to follow in her footsteps. As an adult, Joanne worked to educate others on Selma's role in the civil rights movement, ensuring that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations. Joanne founded numerous organizations, including Foot Soldiers Park, Journeys for the Soul, and the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. Her tours of Selma, Alabama, were celebrated for being both informative and inspiring. On a personal note, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by Joanne Bland in the name of equality and justice. I know that I get to walk the Halls of Congress as Alabama's first Black Congresswoman because of her courage, resilience, and determination. I am honored to have brought her as my special guest to President Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address, and I will miss her wisdom and friendship. On behalf of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of a civil rights icon, Selma's own Ms. Joanne Bland. May she rest in power and in peace. ____________________

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HONORING JOANNE BLAND Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)] [House] [Page H2261] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING JOANNE BLAND (Ms. Sewell of Alabama was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of foot soldier, freedom fighter, and civil rights icon Ms. Joanne Bland, who passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 72. As a proud daughter of Selma, Alabama, Joanne dedicated her life to the struggle for civil rights and voting rights. As an active member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she joined the movement at a remarkably young age. At just 11 years old, she was one of the youngest participants in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery. Joanne's courage did not end on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. By her early teens, Joanne had been arrested at least 13 times for her participation in civil rights demonstrations. She was also among the courageous students who integrated A.G. Parrish High School, where she opened doors of opportunity for countless children to follow in her footsteps. As an adult, Joanne worked to educate others on Selma's role in the civil rights movement, ensuring that her legacy would continue to inspire future generations. Joanne founded numerous organizations, including Foot Soldiers Park, Journeys for the Soul, and the National Voting Rights Museum and Institute. Her tours of Selma, Alabama, were celebrated for being both informative and inspiring. On a personal note, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by Joanne Bland in the name of equality and justice. I know that I get to walk the Halls of Congress as Alabama's first Black Congresswoman because of her courage, resilience, and determination. I am honored to have brought her as my special guest to President Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address, and I will miss her wisdom and friendship. On behalf of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of a civil rights icon, Selma's own Ms. Joanne Bland. May she rest in power and in peace. ____________________