[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 77 (Thursday, May 4, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E609-E610]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MS. DEBORAH COTTON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 4, 2017

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Ms. 
Deborah Cotton, a New Orleans writer and cultural advocate. Ms. Cotton, 
affectionately known as ``Big Red Cotton,'' passed away on May 2, 2017, 
at the age of 52.
  Ms. Cotton was raised in Texas and Oklahoma. She attended San 
Francisco State University, majoring in the field of African-American 
studies, before moving to Los Angeles, where she worked as a union 
organizer.
  In June 2005, not long before Hurricane Katrina struck, Ms. Cotton 
moved to New Orleans, Louisiana. She instantly immersed herself in the 
city's culture and communities. Ms. Cotton became known for her writing 
about second-lines, brass bands, Mardi Gras Indian practices and many 
other events in New Orleans. She blogged, tweeted, and filmed nearly 
every Sunday second-line parade. Though Ms. Cotton was not from New 
Orleans, her writing helped her to forge better relationships among the 
city, police, and the parading clubs.

[[Page E610]]

  On May 12, 2013, when shooting broke out in the 7th Ward during the 
annual parade of the Original Big 7 Social Aid and Pleasure Club, Ms. 
Cotton was filming. Of the 19 people shot that day, Ms. Cotton was 
among those wounded, suffering grave internal injuries that would 
ultimately take her life.
  Ms. Cotton loved the city and the people of New Orleans enough that, 
even when the worst happened to her, she responded with compassion and 
inspired others to do the same. She dedicated herself to continuing to 
live life with joy and compassion. She forgave the individual who shot 
her and spent time getting to know him as a person. She also dedicated 
herself to providing a clear-eyed look at the problem of violence in 
our communities.
  Ms. Cotton's legacy will forever be a part of the city and her 
dedication to community embodies the spirit of New Orleans. Ms. 
Cotton's survivors include her mother, Carolee Reed, and two sisters.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Deborah Cotton, a 
beloved daughter, sister, and example to aspiring writers everywhere.

                          ____________________