Congressional Black Caucus Foundation
Renowned Texas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, 88
In response to the passing of former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies issued the following statement: “We mourn the loss of Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, a true trailblazer in the House of Representatives and a dedicated public servant. As the first Black woman to be the chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, former state legislator, and first Black woman elected to office in Dallas, TX, she left her mark on history,” the statement read.
By Chandra Hayslett
Washington — In response to the passing of former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX), the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies issued the following statement:
“We mourn the loss of Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson, a true trailblazer in the House of Representatives and a dedicated public servant. As the first Black woman to be the chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, former state legislator, and first Black woman elected to office in Dallas, TX, she left her mark on history,” the statement read.
In a statement released Sunday night, U.S. President Joe Biden praised the late lawmaker’s tenure in Congress, saying she displayed “immense courage and a commitment to the promise of America.”
“Throughout her long career in public service, she was always clear-eyed about what she was fighting for: the right of every person in Dallas and across the country to live free from discrimination and to have the opportunity to live up to their full potential,” Vice President Kamala Harris said.
Johnson, the first Black woman elected to any seat in Dallas and the first Black Dallasite to serve in Congress, was a towering figure in Texas politics. She was only the third woman from Texas to serve in Congress – after Lera Thomas and Barbara Jordan, both deceased.
Born in 1935, Johnson was first elected to the Texas state Legislature in 1972 and the state Senate in 1986. While serving there, her position on the redistricting committee led to the creation of a congressional district which seat she won in 1992.
She was chair of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2001-2003 and she retired in 2022. Johnson passed away on Dec. 31, 2023. She was 88.
Because of racial segregation rampant in the 1950s, Johnson had to leave the state to receive training as a nurse at St. Mary’s College at the Indiana’s University of Notre Dame, went on to receive a Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Administration at Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University respectively.
Eventually, according to the Texas Tribune, Johnson became the first Black female chief psychiatric nurse at the Veterans Administration hospital in Dallas.
Rep. Johnson vigorously worked to improve the lives of Black Americans nationwide and in the state of Texas. She was instrumental in the recent passage of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and CHIPS and Science Act, was a proponent in fighting climate change, and built a strong rapport with the Joint Center, further exemplifying her tireless advocacy over her 30 years in Congress,” said Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies Interim President and VP of Policy Jessica Fulton.
Fulton continued: “As a dear friend of the Joint Center, Rep. Johnson presented a resolution to the Joint Center for our 50th anniversary recognizing our relevancy and reaffirmed the House’s commitment to working with us. Her commitment to Black priorities, including equity in technological advancements and economic development, were inspirational and impactful.
“We are beyond grateful for her commitment to public service and dedication to advancing the needs of Black communities. We mourn her loss with her family, colleagues, and former district.”
Chandra Hayslett is part of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies communications team. Wikipedia, The Hill, and The Texas Tribune were sources for this report.
