[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 36 (Tuesday, February 24, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2261]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOANNE BLAND

  (Ms. Sewell of Alabama was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. SEWELL. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the extraordinary life and 
legacy of foot soldier, freedom fighter, and civil rights icon Ms. 
Joanne Bland, who passed away on February 19, 2026, at the age of 72.
  As a proud daughter of Selma, Alabama, Joanne dedicated her life to 
the struggle for civil rights and voting rights. As an active member of 
the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee, she joined the movement 
at a remarkably young age. At just 11 years old, she was one of the 
youngest participants in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery.
  Joanne's courage did not end on the Edmund Pettus Bridge. By her 
early teens, Joanne had been arrested at least 13 times for her 
participation in civil rights demonstrations. She was also among the 
courageous students who integrated A.G. Parrish High School, where she 
opened doors of opportunity for countless children to follow in her 
footsteps.
  As an adult, Joanne worked to educate others on Selma's role in the 
civil rights movement, ensuring that her legacy would continue to 
inspire future generations.
  Joanne founded numerous organizations, including Foot Soldiers Park, 
Journeys for the Soul, and the National Voting Rights Museum and 
Institute. Her tours of Selma, Alabama, were celebrated for being both 
informative and inspiring.
  On a personal note, I am forever grateful for the sacrifices made by 
Joanne Bland in the name of equality and justice. I know that I get to 
walk the Halls of Congress as Alabama's first Black Congresswoman 
because of her courage, resilience, and determination.
  I am honored to have brought her as my special guest to President 
Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address, and I will miss her wisdom and 
friendship.
  On behalf of Alabama's Seventh Congressional District, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of 
a civil rights icon, Selma's own Ms. Joanne Bland. May she rest in 
power and in peace.

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