Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-10-22

HONORING RYAN P. HAYGOOD FOR HIS DEDICATION TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

EconomyEnvironmentForeign PolicyHousingCrime & JusticeLaborVoting RightsCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-10-22, Representative Analilia Mejia (D-NJ-11) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING RYAN P. HAYGOOD FOR HIS DEDICATION TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING RYAN P. HAYGOOD FOR HIS DEDICATION TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 163 (Thursday, October 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 163 (Thursday, October 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1122] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RYAN P. HAYGOOD FOR HIS DEDICATION TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ______ HON. ANALILIA MEJIA of new jersey in the house of representatives Thursday, October 22, 2026 Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ryan P. Haygood for his extraordinary contributions to civil rights, racial justice, and his efforts to advance equality throughout New Jersey and across our Nation. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Ryan led efforts to address systemic inequality and strengthen communities throughout our state. Under his leadership, the Institute advanced measures to ensure all communities do more than survive, they thrive. Ryan tirelessly advocated for New Jersey's $15 minimum wage, automatic voter registration, and the restoration of voting rights to approximately 83,000 residents on probation or parole. His advocacy contributed to ending prison-based gerrymandering and expanded opportunities for historically underserved communities. Ryan's leadership has transformed New Jersey. He advanced critical criminal justice reforms, including efforts to close New Jersey's youth prisons and expanded community-based alternatives to incarceration. Under his leadership, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice has worked to address racial disparities in housing and economic opportunity, advocated for greater access to homeownership, and established the New Jersey Reparations Council in order to examine the lasting impacts of slavery and systemic discrimination. Ryan Haygood is no stranger to the fight for justice. Prior to leading the Institute, Ryan served as Deputy Director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, working on landmark civil rights cases defending voting rights and challenging discriminatory practices. Today, he continues his commitment to justice as President and Chief Executive Officer of the much-lauded Southern Poverty Law Center. Today I rise to celebrate Ryan Haygood's remarkable contributions to our state and to uplift his unwavering commitment to equality, opportunity, and justice. His leadership and advocacy will strengthen our democracy and will help build a more just and equitable future for all. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ryan P. Haygood for his extraordinary service to New Jersey and our Nation. His leadership and advocacy have strengthened our democracy and helped build a more just and equitable future for all. ____________________

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HONORING RYAN P. HAYGOOD FOR HIS DEDICATION TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 163 (Thursday, October 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 163 (Thursday, October 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1122] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RYAN P. HAYGOOD FOR HIS DEDICATION TO CIVIL RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE ______ HON. ANALILIA MEJIA of new jersey in the house of representatives Thursday, October 22, 2026 Ms. MEJIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Ryan P. Haygood for his extraordinary contributions to civil rights, racial justice, and his efforts to advance equality throughout New Jersey and across our Nation. As President and Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, Ryan led efforts to address systemic inequality and strengthen communities throughout our state. Under his leadership, the Institute advanced measures to ensure all communities do more than survive, they thrive. Ryan tirelessly advocated for New Jersey's $15 minimum wage, automatic voter registration, and the restoration of voting rights to approximately 83,000 residents on probation or parole. His advocacy contributed to ending prison-based gerrymandering and expanded opportunities for historically underserved communities. Ryan's leadership has transformed New Jersey. He advanced critical criminal justice reforms, including efforts to close New Jersey's youth prisons and expanded community-based alternatives to incarceration. Under his leadership, the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice has worked to address racial disparities in housing and economic opportunity, advocated for greater access to homeownership, and established the New Jersey Reparations Council in order to examine the lasting impacts of slavery and systemic discrimination. Ryan Haygood is no stranger to the fight for justice. Prior to leading the Institute, Ryan served as Deputy Director of Litigation at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, working on landmark civil rights cases defending voting rights and challenging discriminatory practices. Today, he continues his commitment to justice as President and Chief Executive Officer of the much-lauded Southern Poverty Law Center. Today I rise to celebrate Ryan Haygood's remarkable contributions to our state and to uplift his unwavering commitment to equality, opportunity, and justice. His leadership and advocacy will strengthen our democracy and will help build a more just and equitable future for all. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ryan P. Haygood for his extraordinary service to New Jersey and our Nation. His leadership and advocacy have strengthened our democracy and helped build a more just and equitable future for all. ____________________