Celebrating the Life of Doris Ward

Floor Speech

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Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a trailblazer, change-maker and beloved leader: San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Doris Ward.

Doris was a woman of extraordinary spirit and positivity who never let a closed door deter her. Throughout her 40 years of leadership--at lunch counters and on the NAACP's Metropolitan Council, as a school administrator and a community leader--she fought fearlessly to knock down barriers to equality and justice.

A former teacher herself, Doris was a passionate advocate for our schools and believed deeply in the power of education to help all Americans climb the ladders of opportunity in our nation.

Doris was a pioneer, making history as the first African American to serve as President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. As a leader of our city, she both embodied and championed the San Francisco values of equality, fairness and respect for diversity. Her strong leadership to expand affordable housing, support minority-led businesses and improve oversight of the police force continues to ensure that San Francisco remain a welcoming home to all.

Doris was a great friend to our most underserved neighborhoods, and a great inspiration for women, communities of color and young people across our city and country.

San Franciscans have been blessed by the leadership of Doris Ward. We will deeply miss her warmth, positivity and joyous spirit.

May it bring some measure of comfort to Doris' many friends and loved ones that so many remember and celebrate Doris' life and legacy.

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