Recognizing Barbara Talley

Floor Speech

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Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, today I want to recognize Barbara Talley, a long-time resident of Southfield in Michigan's 12th District Strong, for her leadership in the civil rights movement and numerous contributions to the community.

Known locally as the ``Mother of Civil Rights.'' Ms. Talley blazed the trail for women of color to pursue elected office by being elected as the first African American to serve on Southfield's City Council. She has worked tirelessly to elevate the voices of people of color and championed issues that would create a more equitable and better quality of life for all.

During her two terms of service on Southfield's City Council, Ms. Talley initiated an Affirmative Action Plan for hiring more diverse police, fire, management personnel and elevating women in city government. In 1985. she founded the Southfield Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Task Force and held the first annual Peace Walk and Program, which continues to be one of the largest events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King in the state of Michigan. In 2008, she coordinated a Peace Mission to Liberia, West Africa to meet President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and conducted several workshops aimed at helping to heal trauma of the Liberian Civil War on teen soldiers. She is the author of a book entitled Pathways to Interfaith Dialogue: An Innovative Model for Peace and Community Building. She formerly served as the executive director of Detroit Renaissance District Peace Center at Hope United Methodist Church. As a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ms. Talley continues to promote their mission of service as a member of the Southfield Alumnae Chapter and as a Delta Dear. She remains active with the Task Force, Hope Church and the sorority. She is also a member of the National Congress of Black Women and Southfield Historical Society.

Mother Talley has been a paragon of public service, a promoter of peace and equity, and a fearless leader in the civil rights movement in Southfield and beyond. Please join me in recognizing her leadership and dedication.

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