Floor SpeechNeutral2026-02-25

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ETHEL L. CUFF BLACK

TaxesEducation

Context

On 2026-02-25, Representative Gregory W. Meeks (D-NY-5) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ETHEL L. CUFF BLACK" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered education.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ETHEL L. CUFF BLACK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E165] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ETHEL L. CUFF BLACK _____ HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ethel L. Cuff Black, a trailblazing educator and one of the 22 visionary founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Born on October 17, 1890, in Wilmington, Delaware, Mrs. Cuff Black was raised with a commitment to excellence and service that guided her life. She pursued her studies at Howard University, where she became one of the 22 young women who boldly established Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on January 13, 1913. The sorority was founded on principles of scholarship, sisterhood, and service; values that Mrs. Cuff Black carried into every facet of her life. In one of their first acts of service, Mrs. Cuff Black joined her sorority sisters in the historic 1913 March down Pennsylvania Avenue, standing at the forefront of the struggle for equality and representation. Her courage and vision laid the groundwork for one of the Nation's most influential Black women's organization, which continues to uplift communities more than a century later. After graduating, Mrs. Cuff Black dedicated herself to education, serving as a teacher in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Later in New York, she became the first Black teacher in Richmond Hills, Queens. Mrs. Cuff Black joined 10 other dedicated women in chartering the Queens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Together, they worked hand in hand with the community to advance educational opportunities, promote civic engagement, and uplift families across Queens. This act of leadership and service ensured that the sorority's mission remained deeply rooted in community partnership for decades to come. Since 1952, the Queens Alumnae chapter has awarded over $400,000 in scholarship to students in the Queens community. Mrs. Cuff Black is most honorably remembered for her unwavering devotion to education, community, advancing opportunities for Black Americans, and her pioneering spirit in the fight for social justice. She is survived by the enduring legacy of her students and the hundreds of thousands of Delta women who follow in her footsteps across four continents. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ETHEL L. CUFF BLACK Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 37 (Wednesday, February 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E165] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ETHEL L. CUFF BLACK _____ HON. GREGORY W. MEEKS of new york in the house of representatives Wednesday, February 25, 2026 Mr. MEEKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Ethel L. Cuff Black, a trailblazing educator and one of the 22 visionary founders of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Born on October 17, 1890, in Wilmington, Delaware, Mrs. Cuff Black was raised with a commitment to excellence and service that guided her life. She pursued her studies at Howard University, where she became one of the 22 young women who boldly established Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., on January 13, 1913. The sorority was founded on principles of scholarship, sisterhood, and service; values that Mrs. Cuff Black carried into every facet of her life. In one of their first acts of service, Mrs. Cuff Black joined her sorority sisters in the historic 1913 March down Pennsylvania Avenue, standing at the forefront of the struggle for equality and representation. Her courage and vision laid the groundwork for one of the Nation's most influential Black women's organization, which continues to uplift communities more than a century later. After graduating, Mrs. Cuff Black dedicated herself to education, serving as a teacher in Missouri, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Later in New York, she became the first Black teacher in Richmond Hills, Queens. Mrs. Cuff Black joined 10 other dedicated women in chartering the Queens Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Together, they worked hand in hand with the community to advance educational opportunities, promote civic engagement, and uplift families across Queens. This act of leadership and service ensured that the sorority's mission remained deeply rooted in community partnership for decades to come. Since 1952, the Queens Alumnae chapter has awarded over $400,000 in scholarship to students in the Queens community. Mrs. Cuff Black is most honorably remembered for her unwavering devotion to education, community, advancing opportunities for Black Americans, and her pioneering spirit in the fight for social justice. She is survived by the enduring legacy of her students and the hundreds of thousands of Delta women who follow in her footsteps across four continents. ____________________