National Organization for Women Pays Tribute to our Sister, Friend and Champion: Hon. Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Dearest Stephanie -- our hearts are with you in spirit as you go in peace -- beloved sister in the movement for equality, liberty and justice for all.

A decade ago, you came to D.C. to represent the good people of Cleveland and soon became the standard bearer for all of us. You would walk into the room, roll up your sleeves and announce that it was time to get busy helping the women. Your enthusiasm and positive energy were contagious.

Whether it was in your role as the voice for the underserved on the powerful Ways and Means Committee or as the leader of the Congressional Black Caucus, you were the champion of economic justice for those who had been left behind, left out and left holding the empty bag.

And your big heart stretched across all the real and imagined borders and fences that race and class and gender and identity and religion and philosophy throw up -- and blow up -- in our path. You mentored young women; you worked collaboratively with everyone who crossed your path and was willing to take some of the load; you asked us all for just one more burst of effort and energy for the "cause."

You stood up with Hillary Clinton day in and day out as one of her most ardent friends and supporters, and took the heat. You didn't engage in gender or race politics because your message was about policies and accomplishments. No one was torn down in your presence, only built up to find their better selves. You worked us hard and our reward was sharing a good laugh at the end of the day.

We can't imagine losing your voice, your verve, your vitality, your valor. We can't imagine the years ahead, unable to work with you on our unfinished agenda, unable to sit with you and plot some new, grand effort. We can only say thank you for your spirit, your grit, your sense of urgency and dedication, your heart.

And in memory and tribute to you and your great works, we quote from the poem of solidarity that was your favorite, recited at rallies and gatherings, in town halls and community centers and on the floor of the House of Representatives honoring Rosa Parks. We gather in sorrow and remembrance for you, our beloved champion, warrior and sister.

And The Women Gathered (excerpt)
by Gloria Wade-Gayles

And the women gathered.
And the women gathered.
And the women gathered.
Thin women
Stout women
Short women
Tall women
Young women
Not so young women
Flat chested women
Big bosomed women
Women with blue eyes
Green eyes
Brown eyes
Women with silky hair
Curly hair
Bleached hair
Permed hair
Graying hair
And the women gathered.
Coming by planes
Buses
Vans
Cars
Trains
And strong feet never tired
To gather for freedom
Married women
Divorced women
Single women
Widowed women
The Women Gathered
Cocoa
Cream
Nut brown
Beige
Caramel
Fudge
Blackberry black
As different as the stars that grace the night
The women gathered
As one constellation.
And the world took notice
That women are warriors . . .

The world indeed took notice, and so did we all. Farewell sister warrior.

More links:

Hon. Stephanie Tubb Jones reading the above poem on the House floor, 2000
Tribute to Stephanie Tubbs Jones on Youtube