HONORING ELLA BAKER

On 2026-02-12, Representative Deborah K. Ross (D-NC-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING ELLA BAKER" in the House. The speech addressed voting rights and also covered civil rights.

HONORING ELLA BAKER

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 30 (Thursday, February 12, 2026)] [House] [Page H2207] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING ELLA BAKER (Ms. ROSS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.) Ms. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during Black History Month to honor a giant in the civil rights movement, Ella Baker. She grew up in North Carolina and studied at Shaw University, an outstanding and historic HBCU in Raleigh. After attending Shaw, she moved to New York City and fought for economic justice for Black Americans. She went on to work with Dr. King to organize the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. Following nationwide sit-ins led by Black college students, Ms. Baker was an instrumental figure in forming the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee at Shaw University at a conference in 1960. From fighting for voting rights for Black Americans to mentoring the next generation of civil rights leaders, Ella Baker paved the way for future generations. North Carolina and our country are better because of Ella Baker. ____________________