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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E617]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF JANE MORRISON
______
HON. NANCY PELOSI
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 9, 2020
Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and leadership
of legendary progressive organizer Jane Morrison: an historic and
trailblazing force for progress in America, beloved by all who were
blessed to know her, particularly in our home city of San Francisco.
Jane and her late husband, former San Francisco Supervisor Jack
Morrison, lived their lives at the crossroads of some of the most
pivotal moments in our nation's history. Jane helped elect some of our
most transformational leaders, from President John F. Kennedy to
California Governor Jerry Brown. In 2012, I had the great honor to
appoint Jane, who was born before women had won the right to vote, to
cast our district's vote in the Electoral College for President Barack
Obama: a true measure of our progress as a nation.
Forged in Depression-era Oklahoma, Jane was known by all for her
optimism, perseverance and courage. She began her career as a reporter
during the Second World War, at a time when women were rarely in the
newsroom, and later joined KNBR, where she would work for more than 30
years to bring more women into broadcasting. The same spirit of
justice, progress and commitment to the truth propelled her to enter
political activism and action.
Over five decades, Jane was a godmother of progressive causes in San
Francisco. She was a grassroots champion who brought unwavering grace
and good humor, boundless energy and extraordinary persistence to her
life's mission to make our City and Country more just, equal and fair.
Her home was a gathering place and a launching pad, where she
masterfully wove together progressive coalitions for change in our city
and country. She was a volunteer in the truest sense: dedicating every
degree of her time, energy and passion to achieving social justice,
from empowering women to combating homelessness to championing the
environment and the economic prosperity of all San Franciscans.
Jane advanced progress both from behind the scenes and from the
center of the political arena. As she helped elect progressive leaders,
she served in her own right, including as Delegate to the Democratic
National Convention in 1960 and 1964, Women's Chair of the California
Democratic Party in 1960, president of the San Francisco Human Rights
Commission, president of the San Francisco Democratic Women's Forum,
Chair of the San Francisco Democratic County Central Committee,
longtime president of San Francisco Tomorrow and on the Chinese
Newcomers Service Center. Her greatness was recognized in her many
awards, including the California State Assembly's ``Woman of the
Year,'' which she received several times.
Jane was a mentor and friend to so many. Personally, I learned so
much from her. May her lifetime of courageous leadership be a source of
inspiration to all. And may it be a comfort to Gimmy Park Li and all
Jane's loved ones that so many mourn their loss and are praying for
them at this sad time.
____________________