[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 33 (Wednesday, March 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[[Page E371]]
                   WILLIE GRACE CAMPBELL--IN MEMORIAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 15, 2006

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, America recently lost one of her most 
influential daughters, Willie Grace Campbell. Born and raised as 
women's suffrage took root, Willie's unwavering commitment and passion 
for women's rights and civil liberties gave opportunity and inspiration 
to those like me who knew and loved her.
  In an era where career-driven women were uncommon, Willie 
successfully balanced the challenge of being a mother while pursuing 
her commitment to education and community service. After moving to 
Indianapolis with her husband and three children in 1945, Willie 
established the city's first League of Women's Voters branch and 
membership quickly grew. She went on to serve as the League's State 
President and, in 1959, ascended to the national board as a member of 
the Indiana Advisory Committee of the U.S. Conference on Civil Rights.
  A cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s, Willie 
launched voter education projects in American inner cities and trained 
thousands of urban and suburban female voters. She participated in the 
first White House Conference on Civil Rights in 1965, and emerged from 
the conference with landmark recommendations and strategies for using 
litigation, in addition to legislation, to confront restrictive voting 
rights.
  Willie expanded her advocacy in the 1970s, involving herself with the 
National Women's Political Caucus and the National Women's Education 
Fund while acting as President and Board Chairwoman of the Overseas 
Education Fund International. From Latin America and Africa to 
Washington, DC, Willie's campaign for women's equality and social 
justice successfully challenged the global status quo. Not 
surprisingly, she went on to serve on the board of Women, Law and 
Development International, an organization devoted to the defense and 
promotion of women's rights.
  Even in her last days, Willie proudly served as Vice Chairwoman of 
the Board of Directors of the African Development Foundation, a 
position assigned to her by President Clinton.
  Willie was a mentor, not only to me, but to many women in politics 
and the advocacy community. At age 90, she remained the youngest one in 
the group, with a ready smile, enormous energy, zest and wisdom. All 
who encountered her marveled at her passion and purpose.
  Willie, you have raised the bar for each of us. I am honored to pay 
you tribute.

                          ____________________