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[Pages H2509-H2510]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SUZANNE KLING POST
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Kentucky (Mr. Yarmuth) for 5 minutes.
Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory and in celebration
of the life and legacy of my friend, Suzanne Kling Post, a tremendous
force for good in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Suzy passed on January 2, after having spent her entire life in
service to others, fighting for school desegregation, civil liberties,
fair housing, women's rights, equality for all, and more. There was no
challenge too daunting and no issue too controversial for Suzy to take
on.
As reliable as the sun rising and setting each day, if there was
injustice, prejudice, or discrimination, Suzy was right there,
organizing and empowering. She helped lift the voices of those wronged,
and demanded more from our city and our Commonwealth on behalf of those
in need.
[[Page H2510]]
Born into a white, middle-class, Jewish family in the Highlands of
Louisville in 1933, Suzy was quick to put others first. She joined the
NAACP as a student at Indiana University. She returned home and helped
organize sit-ins and demonstrations of civil disobedience in protest of
housing discrimination; and she helped lead efforts for civil rights
and against the Vietnam War.
She led the ACLU of Kentucky, founded by her uncle, Arthur Kling, and
eventually became the founding director of the Metropolitan Housing
Commission. After decades of service, she was inducted into the
Kentucky Human Rights Commission Hall of Fame in 2007.
Though small in stature, she was larger than life. She had a fire in
her belly and a passion for her work that was contagious. Her low voice
had the power to move you, and she never missed an opportunity to use
it and move us forward as a city.
In the Louisville Courier-Journal's thoughtful obituary recounting
her life, they noted that, once asked why she became an activist, Suzy
replied: I guess I just don't like injustice. It ticks me off; it
really does. Although she didn't use the word ``ticks.''
She was as uncomplicated as she was powerful; straightforward,
straight to the heart and an invaluable source of strength for me, our
city, and our Commonwealth. To say we are better off because of her
decades of service is an understatement. She expected more, gave more,
and got more from all of us because she demanded it of her community
and of herself.
I will always value her friendship, her leadership, and for never
shying away from a fight.
To her children and grandchildren, I hope you can take some solace in
knowing that your mother and grandmother was the conscience of the city
that loved her dearly, and we will all work to carry her legacy
forward.
May her memory be a blessing.
____________________
