[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 106 (Monday, June 25, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E909]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





            HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MS. FELICIA KAHN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2018

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of Ms. 
Felicia Kahn, a political activist for nearly 70 years who tirelessly 
fought for an array of causes, especially those that benefited women, 
and minorities. Ms. Kahn died on June 21, 2018 at the age of 91.
  Ms. Kahn, who cast her first vote for Harry Truman when he won the 
presidency in 1948, worked last year in LaToya Cantrell's successful 
mayoral campaign. Ms. Kahn's work on Cantrell's campaign occurred 
shortly after she attended her tenth Democratic National Convention in 
2016. At age 90, she was the second oldest delegate.
  Ms. Felicia Schornstein was born on July 11, 1926. She graduated from 
Newman School and Newcomb College, where she majored in sociology. 
While in college, she joined the League of Women Voters of New Orleans 
and helped register women to vote.
  After graduation, Ms. Kahn gained a job with the city Welfare 
Department, where she witnessed the problems stemming from segregation. 
She supported the integration of the league, and she worked with Betty 
Wisdom to create Carrolton Central, an organization that helped low-
income residents in that part of the city get the services they needed.
  Ms. Kahn left her city job when she married Mr. Charles N. Kahn, Jr., 
but she remained active in politics, serving as president of the League 
of Women Voters and as a board member.
  Ms. Kahn, who became a real estate agent, worked in political 
campaigns and joined the league in lobbying for passage of the Equal 
Right Amendment. She also was a member of the Historic District 
Landmarks Commission and the Central Business District Landmarks 
Commission.
  Ms. Khan was a member of the National Council of Jewish Women, the 
Independent Women's Organization, the New Orleans Coalition, the 
National Women's Political Caucus, Common Cause, the Alliance of 
Concerned Taxpayers, and the Alliance for Affordable Energy.
  Ms. Kahn ran unsuccessfully twice for a seat in the state House of 
Representatives, but she represented Louisiana as a delegate to the 
National Women's Conference in Houston in 1977. She was a member of the 
Democratic State Central Committee, and the state Democratic Party gave 
her a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.
  Ms. Kahn was a giant in the city of New Orleans, and her work and 
passion gained her admiration throughout the country. One was never 
confused about her values or priorities, she was always in pursuit of 
the upward mobility and wellness of everyone. With her death, we lost a 
champion for the advancement of women, and our commitment should be to 
carry on that work with the same determination and vigor.
  We will miss Ms. Kahn's passion and vitality. Our city and the nation 
is better off because of the work she carried out each day.
  Ms. Khan is survived by her son, Charles N. ``Chip'' Kahn III of 
Arlington, Va; two daughters, Elizabeth Kahn of New Orleans and Felicia 
Kahn Michelson of Atlanta; a brother, Richard Schornstein of New 
Orleans; and three grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Ms. Felicia Kahn.

                          ____________________