[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 164 (Friday, October 6, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E939]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         HONORING THE 2023 WOMEN OF THE YEAR: BETTY REID SOSKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 6, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of Betty Reid Soskin as she is honored as one of 
California's 8th Congressional District's Women of the Year.
  Betty is widely known for being the National Park Service's oldest 
park ranger who retired at the age of 100. She has lived in the East 
Bay since 1927, when her family moved from New Orleans.
  As a young woman during World War II, Betty worked as a shipyard 
clerk for an all-Black auxiliary lodge of the segregated Boilermaker's 
union. In 1945 she and her husband founded one of the first Black-owned 
music stores, which remained open until 2019. Over the years she has 
worked as staff to a Berkeley city council member, a state 
Assemblywoman, and a California State Senator.
  In the early 2000s, Betty became involved in the plans to open the 
Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park. This led to 
her career as a ranger which began in 2007, at the age of 85.
  Betty led talks explaining the importance of the park in 
memorializing the contributions of women and African Americans working 
in war industries supporting the U.S. World War II efforts on the home 
front. She has used her own experiences and observations as a Black 
woman to bring light to untold stories of African Americans during WWII 
and underscore the racism and misogyny experienced by her and countless 
other women of color throughout her lifetime. Through hard work and 
storytelling, she has touched the lives of the thousands of park 
visitors and millions of Americans who can not only empathize with her 
story but celebrate and learn from it.
  On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, 
it is my pleasure to honor and recognize Betty Reid Soskin for her 
positive contributions to our community.

                          ____________________