Terri Sewell honors 'extraordinary' legacy of Joanne Bland on House floor

Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) made a brief speech on the floor of the House of Representatives to honor what she said was the "extraordinary life and legacy" of Joanne Bland, the civil rights activist who died on Feb. 19. 

Bland's public viewing will be held on Friday, Feb. 27 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home in Selma.

See below for a transcript of the speech: 

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, and at just 11 years old, she was one of the youngest participants in the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery.

But her 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.

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As an adult, JoAnne worked to educate others on Selma's role in the Civil Rights Movement, ensuring that our legacy would continue to inspire future generations. She 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 at President Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address, and will miss her wisdom and friendship.

On behalf of Alabama's 7th Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the extraordinary life and legacy of civil rights icon, Selma's own Ms. JoAnne Bland.

May she rest in power and in peace.