BlogHer - UPDATE 3: Rep. Stephanie Tubbs dead at 58, Championed Voting Rights and Women's Health - Comments

Thanks, Jill

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:31:31 -0500

Your reporting from the ground in Ohio has been invaluable in helping to capture this awful and significant moment. The more I read about Tubbs Jones and think about her legacy, the more I am reminded of Sojourner Truth, whose lifetime commitment to human rights was also born of a mighty faith. Like Tubbs Jones, she paired the causes of women's rights and civil rights. Truth also had a fine legal mind, despite her lack of formal education. She successfully petitioned a New York state court for the freedom of one of her children in the 1830s, for example. And Ohio figures prominently in Truth's resume -- it's where she made her famous "Arn't I a Woman Speech" in 1851.

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Statement from James Clyburn

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:13:16 -0500

I was stunned by the news today of the passing of
Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones. There is a great gap where she
stood on behalf of affordable health care, women’s issues, access to
quality education and fairness in voting...

The whole statement from the House Democratic Whip

(h/t Marian Douglas)

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Moving collection of photos, video, remembrances

Jill Miller Zimon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:11:25 -0500

There are many and many good ones. This one was done by Ohio blogger Jeff Coryell at Ohio Daily Blog and underscores Stephanie Tubbs Jones' total commitment to doing the best and the most as an elected official.

Also, from the heart of it all, an hour radio program this morning on WCPN, Cleveland' public radio, dedicated to talking about and remembering the Congresswoman.

Jill
Writes Like She Talks

Pelosi Statement on Passing of Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:10:42 -0500

"On
behalf of all Members of Congress, I express my deepest condolences on
the sudden death of our friend and colleague, Chairwoman Stephanie
Tubbs Jones, to all who loved her, particularly her son, Mervyn Leroy
Jones, II, and her sister, Barbara Walker.

"Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones was a tremendously vibrant presence in the halls of Congress. She believed in all the best things about our nation, and was a tireless force for justice, equality, and opportunity.

The whole statement from the Speaker of the House

(h/t Marian Douglas)

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Congressional Black Caucus statement

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 13:05:12 -0500

Washington, D.C.-
"Today, GOD has called one of his devout disciples home. The untimely
departure of our beloved friend and fearless leader, Chairwoman
Stephanie Tubbs Jones is indescribable.” said Congresswoman Carolyn C.
Kilpatrick (D-MI), Chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

“This
is an enormously solemn day for Members of Congress, the Congressional
Black Caucus family, Ohio residents and the world. Chairwoman Tubbs
Jones was undoubtedly a true steward of the people. She dedicated her
life to ensure that life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness was
afforded to every American. Her command of the law was only matched by
her boundless sense of integrity.”

The whole statement

(h/t Marian Douglas)

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

That statement was impressive

lauriewrites — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:46:45 -0500

Because it reads so differently from the usual "We are so very sorry...." statement. It's a tribute to a true friend.

Impressive. Beautiful. How wonderful to have that kind of impact on so many. These connections make it any better that her life ended so early relative to many - they just make it seem all the more worthwhile.

Laurie

Comment from Cleveland TV anchor, sorority sister

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 02:13:10 -0500

Excerpt from statement by News Channel 5's Danita Harris:

She's more than a congresswoman to me, she is my sorority sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and a dear friend.

Video of Ms. Harris' coverage of the late Congresswoman is also on the page.

Rep. Tubbs Jones was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, one of the "Divine Nine" pantheon of African American fraternities and sororities. She often wore red, one of the sorority's colors, as a symbol of her Delta pride. Other prominent Deltas include the first African American woman elected to Congress, the Hon. Shirley Chisholm (D-NY), who served in the House of Representatives from 1969 to 1983. Of course, Chisholm was also the first woman to run for President of the United States. On the occasion of her death in 2005, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton paid tribute to Rep. Chisholm with the leadership of the Deltas.

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Statement from Pres. and Mrs. Bush

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:55:54 -0500

From the White House Press office:

Laura and I are saddened by the death of Chairwoman Stephanie Tubbs
Jones.

As a proud lifelong resident of Ohio's 11th District, she devoted her
career to serving her community at both the State and national levels.
She was an effective legislator who was dedicated to helping small
businesses, improving local schools, expanding job opportunities for
Ohioans, and ensuring that more of them have access to healthcare.
After making history as the first African American woman elected to
Congress from Ohio, the Congresswoman worked to expand the rights of all
Americans. Our Nation is grateful for her service.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her son Mervyn Leroy Jones, II and the
rest of her family.

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Official statement on the passing of Rep. Stubbs Jones

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:50:52 -0500

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It is with deep sadness
that we inform you of the passing of Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs Jones,
beloved mother to Mervyn Jones II, sister to Barbara L. Walker, dear
colleague, loyal servant and friend to all. Congresswoman Tubbs Jones
passed after being admitted to Huron Hospital having suffered an aneurysm
while driving her car in Cleveland Heights, Ohio on Tuesday evening. She
was pronounced dead at 6:12 p.m. today. The official cause of death was an
aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage...

via PRnewswire

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Not being able to say goodbye is especially heartbreaking

Kim Pearson — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 01:47:17 -0500

According to news reports, Rep. Tubbs Jones' husband died suddenly in 2003. It's hard to imagine what it must be like for her son to lose both of his parents that way.

And yes, the best tribute is to follow her example of principled, determined leadership.

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

What a leader

Lisa Stone — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 00:35:42 -0500

I don't have the words here. She was an incredible, passionate leader -- and not be able to say goodbye? My heart is breaking for her family.

We need more women like Tubbs-Jones in office. That's the way to thank her.

Lisa Stone
BlogHer Co-founder
Surfette

Blog tributes show Congresswoman's impact in diverse communities

Kim Pearson — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 22:31:00 -0500

From Natasha at Young, Black and Fabulous:

She was also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and was one of the greatest leaders in our political system. She was also one of my personal inspirations as a leader and as my Soror.

Stonewall Democrats (via Pam Spaulding)

"Congresswoman Tubbs-Jones was a passionate friend of the Cleveland
Stonewall Democrats and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and allied
Democrats across the country. She would often take the time to join us
at our national conventions and local membership meetings. Stephanie
repeatedly demonstrated her friendship on the floor of the U.S. House
of Representatives where she was a boisterous, eloquent and effective
voice for equality, voting rights and Democratic values. Our
organization was proud to call her a champion, and so many of our
members were blessed to call her a friend." - Jon Hoadley, Executive
Director, Stonewall Democrats.

From Susie Madrak:

The Ohio congresswoman was one of the heroes shown in Michael Moore’s
“Fahrenheit 911″ who stood up for disenfranchised African-American
voters and against the theft of the 2000 election. She also opposed the certification of vote results from Ohio in 2004 (which is more than the Kerry campaign did) ...

Kim
BlogHer Contributing Editor|Professor Kim|

Nice piece by the AP

Jill Miller Zimon — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:34:23 -0500

Can be read here. I can totally hear Dennis Kucinich saying the quote contained in there:

"She poured her heart and soul into her job," Kucinich said. "She
worked so hard and gave everything she could. I'm devastated. Wherever
we'd go, we'd speak of each other as brother and sister. It's an
incalculable loss."

Jill
Writes Like She Talks

From the Clinton's

Denise — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:27:36 -0500

Tubbs Jones was a hardcore Clinton supporter and the Clinton's have issued a statement.

~Denise
BlogHer Community Manager

Flamingo House Happenings

The mood in Cleveland

Jill Miller Zimon — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:23:24 -0500

Very, very, very somber.

From 6:30-7:45 this evening, I was attending a fundraiser for Ohio AG Dem candidate Rich Cordray. At the portion of the event when the host was introducing Ohio Lt Gov Lee Fisher, he started with a moment of silence for Tubbs Jones and you could see dampness in the eyes of several people. Then he intro'd Fisher and Fisher spoke at length about the importance of Tubbs Jones' friendship and work to Fisher's personal and professional life and again, we all heaved a sigh of prayer for her. He intro'd Cordray who also went on to talk about Tubbs Jones when he was interrupted by a guest who said that he'd received six voice mails in the last several minutes telling him that she was pronouned dead at 6:12pm. Cordray had just been with her on Sunday and was in disbelief.

My understanding is that there will have to be a special election but that's all I've heard so far. Honestly, I think people are in total shock. Her absence is a crushing loss at a time when the Cuyahoga County Dem Party chair AND County Commissioner Jimmy Dimora is under enormous suspicion and pressure to resign (the 200+FBI and IRS agents that came in about three weeks ago now) and when Barack Obama is said to be even with McCain. Tubbs Jones wholeheartedly has shifted her support from Clinton to Obama but with the local Dem party under more of a cloud than ever and one of the most influential Ohio politicians in NEOhio and statewide gone, the question marks get only bigger here.

There are many places to find collections of thoughts. This piece is written by my writing mentor, Margaret Bernstein.

Jill
Writes Like She Talks

UPDATE 3: Rep. Stephanie Tubbs dead at 58, Championed Voting Rights and Women's Health

Kim Pearson — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 12:42:44 -0500

UPDATING : Tributes are pouring in from around the country to mourn the death of Ohio Congresswoman Stephanie Tubbs-Jones, 58. The five-term representative was declared dead at 6:12 pm EST according to a statement from her family and officials at Huron Hospital in Cleveland where she being treated for a brain aneurysm that occured Tuesday night.

Conflicting reports about Tubbs Jones' medical condition were issued throughout the day, saying first that her condition was stable, then that she had died, and later, that she was alive but in critical conditon. More detail in the updates and comments below.

UPDATING 2:39 EDT: CNN is reporting that hospital officials say that Tubbs-Jones is alive but in critical condition. Here is video of the hospital press conference earlier today.

UPDATING: The Cleveland Plain Dealer, citing "sources familiar with the situation" is reporting the Tubbs-Jones, 58, died this afternoon after being removed from life support at 12:19 pm. (h/t Politico.com). The Plain Dealer blog has a photo gallery looking back over her life and accomplishments.

ORIGINAL POST: Rep. Stephanie Tubbs-Jones (D-OH) suffered an aneurysm Tuesday evening and is on life support in a Cleveland hospital, according to news reports and a statement from her Congressional office.

According to news reports, the fifth-term Congresswoman was spotted driving erratically around 9pm Tuesday evening in the Cleveland Heights section of the city. A police officer found her unconscious in her car and arranged for emergency medical care.

According to a statement from Jones' Washington office, Jones' condition has "stabilized and she is receiving the best care available."

Tubbs Jones was an important supporter of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's presidential campaign. She was vocal about criticism she said that she received from other African Americans for standing with Clinton. In June, she followed Clinton's lead and switched her support to Sen. Barack Obama. Jones was scheduled to attend next week's Democratic National Convention as a superdelegate.

According to her Congressional biography, Jones chairs the House Committee on Standards and Official Conduct, sits on the Ways and Means Committee, and is an active member of the Congressional Black Caucus. She is the first African American woman elected to the US Congress from Ohio. Before entering Congress, she was a Cuyahoga County judge.

According to the National Institutes of Health, an aneurysm is an abnormal bulge in an artery. They occur most commonly in the aorta, but can occur in several other locations, including the brain. When a brain aneurysm bursts, it causes a stroke.

Bitterpoliticz is collecting messages of support for Tubbs-Jones for a get well card, noting her work to increase funding for uterine fibroids research as well as her effort to help Sen. Clinton pass the Count Every Vote Act. That bill, introduced n 2005. would have strengthened voting verification systems and improved ballot access, particularly in minority communities. It never reached a vote.

Image credit: Rep. Tubbs-Jones' online press kit