[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 112 (Tuesday, June 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E624]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING BARBARA TALLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 27, 2023

  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Barbara Talley, a 
long-time resident of Southfield in Michigan's 12th District Strong, 
for her leadership in the civil rights movement and numerous 
contributions to the community.
  Known locally as the ``Mother of Civil Rights.'' Ms. Talley blazed 
the trail for women of color to pursue elected office by being elected 
as the first African American to serve on Southfield's City Council. 
She has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of people of color and 
championed issues that would create a more equitable and better quality 
of life for all.
  During her two terms of service on Southfield's City Council, Ms. 
Talley initiated an Affirmative Action Plan for hiring more diverse 
police, fire, management personnel and elevating women in city 
government. In 1985. she founded the Southfield Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr. Task Force and held the first annual Peace Walk and Program, which 
continues to be one of the largest events honoring the legacy of Dr. 
Martin Luther King in the state of Michigan. In 2008, she coordinated a 
Peace Mission to Liberia, West Africa to meet President Ellen Johnson 
Sirleaf and conducted several workshops aimed at helping to heal trauma 
of the Liberian Civil War on teen soldiers. She is the author of a book 
entitled Pathways to Interfaith Dialogue: An Innovative Model for Peace 
and Community Building. She formerly served as the executive director 
of Detroit Renaissance District Peace Center at Hope United Methodist 
Church. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ms. Talley 
continues to promote their mission of service as a member of the 
Southfield Alumnae Chapter and as a Delta Dear. She remains active with 
the Task Force, Hope Church and the sorority. She is also a member of 
the National Congress of Black Women and Southfield Historical Society.
  Mother Talley has been a paragon of public service, a promoter of 
peace and equity, and a fearless leader in the civil rights movement in 
Southfield and beyond. Please join me in recognizing her leadership and 
dedication.