Higher Heights Mourns the Loss of Former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson

BROOKLYN (Dec. 31, 2023) –-Higher Heights mourns the loss of former Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.

In 1992 Rep. Johnson became the first registered nurse elected to the U.S. House of Representatives and the first African American to serve in Congress from North Texas.

She passed away Sunday, according to her family on social media. She was 88 years old.  

Congresswoman Johnson broke many glass ceilings. In 1972, as an underdog candidate running for a seat in the Texas House, Johnson won by a landslide victory. She was the first Black woman ever elected to public office from Dallas. 

In 1986, when she was elected as a Texas state senator, she was the first woman and African American from the Dallas area to hold this office since Reconstruction.

A trailblazer—Congresswoman Johnson served Texas’ 30th district and was the Dean of the Texas Congressional delegation before retiring from office in 2022 after 30 years. During her tenure, she authored and co-authored more than 177 bills that became law as she fought for her communities and residents. 

She was also a former Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus (2001-2003), the fourth woman to hold the role.

Higher Heights Vice President of Communications Aprill O. Turner issued the following statement:

“Today, we are saddened to learn of the loss of Congresswoman Johnson, and we celebrate her life and all that she has done to uplift Black women in electoral politics and the legacy she leaves behind. As the first Black woman to represent her Congressional district, which now is represented by her successor, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Congresswoman Johnson played a critical role in breaking down barriers and laying down a leadership pipeline that helped create opportunities for more Black women to serve—Congresswoman Johnson’s decades of service demonstrated her dedication to her work and her vision to see greater possibilities. Congresswoman Johnson has appeared frequently on our annual ‘Chisholm List’ of iconic Black women leaders who have boldly stepped off the sidelines and walked in the leadership and legacy of Shirley Chisholm. She will be remembered for her devotion to the people of her district, Texas, and this nation. She will never be forgotten.” 

Higher Heights sends heartfelt condolences to the Johnson family and loved ones at this time.   

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Higher Heights for America is the only national organization providing Black women with a political home exclusively dedicated to harnessing their power to expand Black women’s elected representation and voting participation, advance progressive policies from the voting booth to elected office, and creating the environment for Black women to run, win and lead. For additional information, visit https://www.higherheightsforamerica.org.