[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 60 (Thursday, May 5, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                CELEBRATING MAURA McNIEL'S 90TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 5, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
celebrate the 90th birthday of Mrs. Maura McNiel, a leading women's 
rights activist whose legacy impacts women in Dallas and all over the 
United States.
  Maura McNiel was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 4, 1929 and 
grew up inspired by integration in Minneapolis-area schools. She moved 
to Dallas in 1953 and, dedicated to improve the lives of people and the 
world around her, became involved in the civil rights movement and 
environmental issues. Soon after, Ms. McNiel immersed herself in the 
feminist cause, for which she is applauded today.
  The list of Ms. McNiel's activities to improve the lives of others 
are endless: She spoke to reporters, politicians, organization leaders, 
and others and had a strong impact wherever she went. She founded Women 
for Change in 1971, the first women's center in Dallas, and then helped 
organize the Rape Crisis Center, the National Organization of Women and 
People for the American Way, Women's Coalition, Family Place (for 
battered women), the Southwest Credit Union, The Dallas Commission on 
the Status of Women and the Women's Issues Network.
  But it was the personal touch she brought to her efforts that made 
each one a success.
  She famously informed the all-male Rotary Club that just as birds 
flew better with two wings, marriages worked better as a partnership 
where both husband and wife shared responsibilities and demands. As her 
dialogue indicates, her approach was not antagonistic; rather, it was 
based upon building relationships. And that she did, with the Dallas 
City Hall, news organizations, and many, many others.
  It was this both passionate and rational approach to women's rights 
that enabled her to successfully fight for Title IX in 1972, which 
expanded women's education opportunities. She understood that the 
success of a movement lies not just on its present, but also its 
future.
  More importantly, she knew the importance of following words with 
action and personal sacrifice. As founding president of Women for 
Change, which created the first sanctuaries for family abuse victims, 
Maura took the lead by hosting the first woman in her own home.
  A wonderful mother, Sunday school teacher, community leader, 
effective activist, Maura McNiel's work has led to achievements in 
women's studies, modern social work, advocacy on behalf of abused 
women, promotion of the Equal Rights Amendment, and passage of Title 
IX.
  As her representative in Congress, it is my distinct pleasure to 
honor her today on the floor of the United States House of 
Representatives. I ask my colleagues to join Maura McNiel's family and 
friends in wishing her a blessed 90th birthday and continued health and 
happiness in the years to come.

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