[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 146 (Thursday, September 19, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H5453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE AND LEGACY OF PRISCILLA DUNN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Alabama (Ms. Sewell) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life and legacy of former Alabama State Senator Priscilla Dunn, who 
passed away on Tuesday, September 17, at the age of 80.
  A lifelong educator and trailblazing public servant, Senator Dunn 
dedicated her life to the betterment of her community and the State of 
Alabama.
  In 1961 she graduated from Abrams High School in Bessemer where she 
served as cheer captain and the first Miss Abrams High. After receiving 
her bachelor's degree from the Alabama State University and her 
master's degree from the University of Montevallo, Senator Dunn's 
passion for education drove her to the Alabama School System where she 
served as a public schoolteacher for more than three decades.
  Motivated by the pursuit of justice, Senator Dunn spent 24 years in 
the Alabama legislature, first in the house and then in the senate. She 
held numerous leadership positions in organizations throughout 
Jefferson County, Alabama, including 16 years as president of Concerned 
Citizens for Bessemer Cut-Off, and coordinator of the Jefferson County 
Democratic Conference.
  Senator Dunn was a true public servant. As a schoolteacher as well as 
a Sunday schoolteacher, she was definitely guided by her abiding faith, 
and she always practiced what she preached.
  On a personal note, I am blessed to have known Senator Dunn and her 
wonderful family. As Alabama's first Black Congresswoman, I stand on 
the shoulders of amazing leaders like Senator Dunn who opened the doors 
for me and many others. She was a grande dame whose footsteps we as 
Black women elected officials in Alabama are blessed to follow.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 
extraordinary life of former Alabama Senator Priscilla Dunn. May her 
legacy live on in the many lives that she impacted and touched.

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