Floor SpeechNeutral2026-05-19

CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARILYN MOSLEY

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On 2026-05-19, Representative Hakeem S. Jeffries (D-NY-8) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARILYN MOSLEY" in the House.

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CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARILYN MOSLEY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [House] [Page H3556] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARILYN MOSLEY (Mr. JEFFRIES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to the life, leadership, and legacy of an incredible mentor, a Clinton Hill legend and someone who provided tremendous support to me throughout the entirety of my public service journey, the iconic Marilyn D. Mosley. Marilyn was born and raised in Brooklyn. She is a proud graduate of New York City Public Schools, including Girls High, where she was voted in 1959 ``Most Likely to Succeed.'' That proved to be a prophetic observation. Marilyn went on to obtain a bachelor's degree from Morgan State University, where she became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She then returned home to City College, where she received two master's degrees in education and went on to serve for over 25 years as a transformational public school teacher and public school administrator. She also held a variety of positions throughout local government, serving with distinction in the Brooklyn Borough President's Office, the City Comptroller's Office, and as a special adviser to the New York City Council Speaker. Though she never served as a legislator herself, she founded the Progressive Association for Political Action and was responsible for the election of political giants decade after decade after decade, including former Congressman Ed Towns, Assemblyman Roger Green, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, City Comptroller Bill Thompson, and New York State Attorney General Tish James. Her work was instrumental in making sure that Mary Pinkett in 1973 became the first African-American woman ever elected to the New York City Council and opened the door for future generations of Black women, 12 of whom now serve in the 51-member body that is the city council. I can unequivocally say that the people of New York City are better off because of decades of Mama Mosley laboring in the vineyards of our community. I would not be standing here today as a Member of Congress or as House Democratic leader without her love, mentorship, and support. I am so thankful for all of her wisdom, her guidance, her friendship, her mentorship, and her leadership throughout her incredible journey. It is a classic Brooklyn story, and we are eternally grateful for all that she has done. May Mama Mosley forever rest in power. ____________________

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CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARILYN MOSLEY Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 19, 2026)] [House] [Page H3556] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MARILYN MOSLEY (Mr. JEFFRIES asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. JEFFRIES. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to the life, leadership, and legacy of an incredible mentor, a Clinton Hill legend and someone who provided tremendous support to me throughout the entirety of my public service journey, the iconic Marilyn D. Mosley. Marilyn was born and raised in Brooklyn. She is a proud graduate of New York City Public Schools, including Girls High, where she was voted in 1959 ``Most Likely to Succeed.'' That proved to be a prophetic observation. Marilyn went on to obtain a bachelor's degree from Morgan State University, where she became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. She then returned home to City College, where she received two master's degrees in education and went on to serve for over 25 years as a transformational public school teacher and public school administrator. She also held a variety of positions throughout local government, serving with distinction in the Brooklyn Borough President's Office, the City Comptroller's Office, and as a special adviser to the New York City Council Speaker. Though she never served as a legislator herself, she founded the Progressive Association for Political Action and was responsible for the election of political giants decade after decade after decade, including former Congressman Ed Towns, Assemblyman Roger Green, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, City Comptroller Bill Thompson, and New York State Attorney General Tish James. Her work was instrumental in making sure that Mary Pinkett in 1973 became the first African-American woman ever elected to the New York City Council and opened the door for future generations of Black women, 12 of whom now serve in the 51-member body that is the city council. I can unequivocally say that the people of New York City are better off because of decades of Mama Mosley laboring in the vineyards of our community. I would not be standing here today as a Member of Congress or as House Democratic leader without her love, mentorship, and support. I am so thankful for all of her wisdom, her guidance, her friendship, her mentorship, and her leadership throughout her incredible journey. It is a classic Brooklyn story, and we are eternally grateful for all that she has done. May Mama Mosley forever rest in power. ____________________