Rep. Carolyn Kilpatrick

Greetings from the Congressional Black Caucus: 42 members from 21 states, representing more than 40 million Americans of various racial, social, ethnic, economic, and political persuasions. Our mission is to engage and empower all Americans.

We honor the lives of our sisters, Congresswoman Juanita Millender-McDonald and Congresswoman Julia Carson. Today, we celebrate the life, leadership and legacy of our sister, friend and colleague: Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Chairwoman of the House Ethics Committee.

Congresswoman Tubbs Jones was a trailblazer: the first African-American and the first female to serve as Cuyahoga County prosecutor. The first African-American woman to sit on the Ohio Common Pleas Bench. The first African-American woman from Ohio elected to the United States House of Representatives. The first African-American woman appointed to the House Ways and Means Committee.

She was also my friend. I will always cherish her smile and treasure her faithful friendship. We were inspired by her enthusiasm, energy, and passion. The mark she left on Ohio, Congress, America and the countless lives she touched is priceless. Let us continue the work she started.

Stephanie recognized that, in this election, we stand at a crossroads of hope and change. She also recognized that, this November, only one candidate, Barack Obama, can deliver the change we so badly need. So let us continue the journey to an America bursting with equality, opportunity and prosperity for all.

To her son Mervyn Jones II, her sister Barbara, her family, friends and staff and all others who knew her, I pray your sadness is tempered by memories you hold in your heart. May you find comfort and strength in knowing she is with us always. Her brilliant light continues to shine.

Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones will forever be in our hearts.