http://kerry.senate.gov/v3/cfm/record.cfm?id=247300John Kerry Statement on Passing of Dr. C. DeLores Tucker
Washington, DC - Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) issued the following statement on the passing of Dr. C. DeLores
"Yesterday America lost one of the great citizen leaders of the 20th and early 21st century. Dr. C. DeLores Tucker was an activist, a publisher, an educator, and, most of all, a leader. She had a vision of a better America, where all people are recognized and respected, and she inspired others with her determination.
"Tucker led an extraordinary, accomplished life. She marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Deep South, fought to make real the right to vote, founded the historic National Congress of Black Women, and served as the first woman Secretary of State in Pennsylvania where she successfully urged the Governor to appoint women and African Americans to unprecedented numbers of leadership positions.
"She made invaluable contributions to the Democratic Party, serving as chair of the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus and President of the National Federation of Democratic Women.
"In the face of harsh criticism, Tucker took on the gangster rap industry for its degrading and violent lyrics. She wasn't afraid to speak her mind, even, indeed especially, when it wasn't the popular thing to do. If even a handful of tomorrow's leaders follow in her footsteps, the America we love can look forward to a much stronger future for all."
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