[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E119]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING TONYA FINLEY-McCAW

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. CORI BUSH

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2024

  Ms. BUSH. Mr. Speaker, St. Louis and I rise to honor the life and 
legacy of Mrs. Tonya Latrice Finley-McCaw. Mrs. Finley-McCaw was a 
remarkable servant leader who touched the lives of so many people 
across the St. Louis community.
  A passionate advocate, Mrs. Finley-McCaw fought tirelessly for the 
rights of families and workers, including aiding efforts across the 
region and state for living wages and the right to unionize. Together, 
alongside her inspiring son and a stalwart community leader, Rasheen, 
the pair were never far from a picket line, joining striking workers 
and allies demanding fair wages in the ``Fight for $15'' movement.
  Mrs. Finley-McCaw was indefatigable. In addition to her strong 
support of labor rights and economic justice, she also chaired St. 
Louis City's Moms Demand Action chapter in an effort to tackle the 
crisis of gun violence in our communities and received several 
leadership certificates and accolades for her wide-ranging work and 
advocacy throughout the St. Louis region.
  Born on July 7, 1970, in Chicago, Illinois, to her loving parents, 
Samuel and Dorothy Finley. She was also blessed with an amazing sister, 
Teijuania Finley. Finley-McCaw attended and graduated from Parkway 
South High School, where she was crowned prom queen. She later pursued 
higher education at St. Louis College of Health Careers and obtained 
her certification as a phlebotomist.
  Mrs. Finley-McCaw was married to the love of her life, Rick McCaw, 
for 27 years. She is the proud mother of three sons: Rashaad Crawford, 
Rasheen Aldridge, and Rasheed Finley. She is the stepmother to Rickey 
McCaw, Rikeyia McCaw, Malik McCaw, and Bernard Wings. When she wasn't 
spending time with her family or working to improve the lives of her 
St. Louis neighbors, Mrs. Finley-McCaw loved to cook (especially on 
holidays), play with her dogs, travel, and spend time with her 
grandchildren.
  Mrs. Finley-McCaw was a great friend and mother figure to many. I 
have fond memories of her. I have fond memories of her helping to 
support me as I worked hard to represent the people of Missouri's First 
District. She provided unparalleled guidance and never faltered in the 
work of ensuring St. Louis has the representation it deserves at every 
level of government, I got to witness what a remarkable human she was 
to those around and what an incredible mother she was through my 
personal friendship with Rasheen. She touched so many of our hearts and 
she will be deeply missed. May her memory forever be a blessing.

                          ____________________