[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF BETTY REID SOSKIN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 13, 2026

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life and legacy of Betty Reid Soskin, a trailblazer, public servant, 
and living witness to American history who used her 104 years of her 
life to the fullest.
  Born in 1921, lived in the East Bay since 1927, when her family moved 
from New Orleans. She lived a life defined by courage, resilience, and 
an unwavering commitment to truth and justice. She experienced 
firsthand the hardships of segregation, the challenges of wartime 
America, and the long struggle for civil rights, yet she transformed 
those experiences into a lifetime of public service and education.
  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.
  Ms. Soskin made history as the oldest active National Park Service 
ranger, serving at the Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front 
National Historical Park in Richmond, California. Through her work, she 
ensured that the stories of women, people of color, and working 
families who are often omitted from traditional historical narratives 
were finally heard and preserved. Her storytelling gave voice to 
generations whose contributions shaped our Nation but were too often 
overlooked.
  Beyond her federal service, Betty Reid Soskin has worked as staff to 
a Berkeley city council member, a state Assemblywoman, and a California 
State Senator. As well as a respected civil rights activist, author, 
educator, and community leader. Her life reminded us that history is 
not only something we study it is something we live, challenge, and 
improve.
  Even after surviving serious injury late in life, Ms. Soskin 
continued to inspire with her determination, grace, and clarity of 
purpose. She taught us that patriotism includes honesty, that progress 
requires persistence, and that every generation has a responsibility to 
expand opportunity and justice.
  Betty Reid Soskin leaves behind an enduring legacy of service, truth-
telling, and hope. Her life stands as a testament to the power of 
perseverance and the importance of ensuring that America's full story 
is told. I extend my deepest condolences to her family, loved ones, and 
all those whose lives were touched by her remarkable spirit. Her impact 
will be felt for generations, and I know the people of Contra Costa 
County, and our Nation will join me in celebrating her life and legacy. 
May we honor her memory by continuing the work she so passionately 
advanced and by striving, as she did, to build a more just and 
inclusive Nation.

                          ____________________