[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 124 (Thursday, July 9, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JANE MORRISON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 9, 2020

  Ms. PELOSI.  Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and leadership 
of legendary progressive organizer Jane Morrison: an historic and 
trailblazing force for progress in America, beloved by all who were 
blessed to know her, particularly in our home city of San Francisco.
  Jane and her late husband, former San Francisco Supervisor Jack 
Morrison, lived their lives at the crossroads of some of the most 
pivotal moments in our nation's history. Jane helped elect some of our 
most transformational leaders, from President John F. Kennedy to 
California Governor Jerry Brown. In 2012, I had the great honor to 
appoint Jane, who was born before women had won the right to vote, to 
cast our district's vote in the Electoral College for President Barack 
Obama: a true measure of our progress as a nation.
  Forged in Depression-era Oklahoma, Jane was known by all for her 
optimism, perseverance and courage. She began her career as a reporter 
during the Second World War, at a time when women were rarely in the 
newsroom, and later joined KNBR, where she would work for more than 30 
years to bring more women into broadcasting. The same spirit of 
justice, progress and commitment to the truth propelled her to enter 
political activism and action.
  Over five decades, Jane was a godmother of progressive causes in San 
Francisco. She was a grassroots champion who brought unwavering grace 
and good humor, boundless energy and extraordinary persistence to her 
life's mission to make our City and Country more just, equal and fair. 
Her home was a gathering place and a launching pad, where she 
masterfully wove together progressive coalitions for change in our city 
and country. She was a volunteer in the truest sense: dedicating every 
degree of her time, energy and passion to achieving social justice, 
from empowering women to combating homelessness to championing the 
environment and the economic prosperity of all San Franciscans.
  Jane advanced progress both from behind the scenes and from the 
center of the political arena. As she helped elect progressive leaders, 
she served in her own right, including as Delegate to the Democratic 
National Convention in 1960 and 1964, Women's Chair of the California 
Democratic Party in 1960, president of the San Francisco Human Rights 
Commission, president of the San Francisco Democratic Women's Forum, 
Chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee, 
longtime president of San Francisco Tomorrow and on the Chinese 
Newcomers Service Center. Her greatness was recognized in her many 
awards, including the California State Assembly's ``Woman of the 
Year,'' which she received several times.
  Jane was a mentor and friend to so many. Personally, I learned so 
much from her. May her lifetime of courageous leadership be a source of 
inspiration to all. And may it be a comfort to Gimmy Park Li and all 
Jane's loved ones that so many mourn their loss and are praying for 
them at this sad time.

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