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On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell, D-Alabama, spoke on the House Floor to honor the life and legacy of former Alabama State Senator Priscilla Dunn who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80-years-old.
Rep. Sewell: “Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of former Alabama State Senator Priscilla Dunn who passed away on Tuesday, September 17th the age of 80.
“A lifelong educator and trailblazing public servant, Senator Dunn dedicated her life to the betterment of her community and the State of Alabama.
“In 1961, she graduated from Abrams High School in Bessemer where she served as Cheer Captain and the first “Miss Abrams High.”
“After receiving her bachelor’s degree from the Alabama State University and her master’s degree from the University of Montevallo, Senator Dunn’s passion for education drove her to the Alabama school system where she served as a public school teacher for more than three decades.
“Motivated by the pursuit of justice, Senator Dunn spent 24 years in the Alabama Legislature, first in the House and then in the Senate. She held numerous leadership positions in organizations throughout Jefferson County, Alabama, including President of the Concerned Citizens of the Bessemer Cut-Off for 16 years and Coordinator of the Jefferson County Democratic Conference.
“Senator Dunn was a true public servant. As a school teacher as well as a Sunday School teacher, she was definitely guided by her abiding faith, and she always practiced what she preached.
“On a personal note, I was blessed to have known Senator Dunn and her wonderful family. As Alabama’s first Black Congresswoman, I stand on the shoulders of amazing leaders like Senator Dunn who opened the doors for me and many others.
“She was a grand dame whose footsteps we as Black women elected officials in Alabama are blessed to follow.
“Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the extraordinary life of former Alabama Senator Priscilla Dunn. May her legacy live on in the many lives that she impacted and touched.
“Thank you and I yield back the balance of my time.”
