Representative Louise Williams Bishop
Rosa Parks Commemoration February 5, 2007
Today is a glorious day because the Pa. House of Representatives is honoring two women of great distinction….Rosa Parks, a civil rights activist, who we pay tribute to on this “Remembrance Day” thanks to legislation that was enacted in this General Assembly. We are also honoring State Senator Tina Tartaglione of Philadelphia, who is responsible for being our greatest promoter for increasing the state’s minimum wage and for her other legislative efforts to help senior citizens, children and working families.
Now…you ask, how are these two women connected by their actions?
You all know I believe every woman in this room owes her
career, her electability, owes her seat to Rosa Parks. You all
know we are here today because Rosa refused to move to the
back of the bus.
And when she moved to the front--WE ALL moved to the
front.
I spoke with the curator of Rosa Parks’ museum. I asked,
“What was Rosa’s focus in her later years?” “Restrictions.”
Rosa wanted to help people who are in some way
restricted. Restrictions due to age, restrictions due to health,
and yes restrictions due to social status. Those who need a
little extra hope and a little extra vision. That’s what Rosa
wanted to do. That’s where she was putting her strength.
Trying to make the restricted stronger. It makes perfect
sense. That’s what she’s always done.
When you think about it, Rosa’s actions on that bus in 1955
elevated everyone.
Black women, White women, Black men, all ethnic
groups not yet in fashion, and children of every color, race
and creed who would now grow up with a new reality. The
reality that we are all precious and equal. Rosa’s vision was
color blind. Dr. King was color blind. The Movement
was the astounding success that it was because it embraced
everyone. All colors. All backgrounds. They were about
Hope and Inspiration. Giving hope to those held down for so
long and inspiring future generations to believe in
themselves. Do for themselves.
Tina Tartaglione is one more outstanding woman who
has miraculously lifted people up -- while she stayed in her
seat.
Tina Tartaglione’s fight for this minimum wage bill is a
towering accomplishment.
She fought federal tides, selfish tides, fearful tides and said
the middle class and working poor are struggling enough
and I’m going to try to get them some justice. I’m going to
fight and fight until I secure a decent living wage to these
decent, hardworking, Black, White, Latino, Asian,
Native American, EVERY ONE in this state.
She took Rosa Parks’ fight very seriously and she
delivered.
Tina Tartaglione has helped every ethnic group in this
great state and by doing so, she has reinforced that we are
really, all one family. All brothers and sisters.
We really are all one. All colors, all backgrounds -- All
united by our principles and wishes for a better world.
Who knows how many thousands of Pennsylvanians Tina
has liberated by ensuring they get a decent salary for their
hard work.
Who knows how many children will benefit and blossom
from their parents’ hard work being properly rewarded,
justly rewarded. And how many Pennsylvanians are now
inspired by the knowledge that somebody cares. Somebody
cares.
And how many will look at Tina and know they have
more strength inside themselves. That no matter where life
has placed you - you can rise up and lead.
You’re not stuck where you are.
You can rise above any circumstance.
You can turn the tables on fate.
You can sit down and lead a nation out of its racism.
You can sit down and lead a state legislature to take better
care of its people.
That’s leadership. That’s compassion. That’s Hope.
That’s everything Rosa Parks stood for.
And Senator Tina Tartaglione taking her bold, tenacious
stand for ALL our working people, is someone we can all
look up to.
Knowing Rosa, as I did, it is a great pleasure to present you
with this honor.
Thank you and God Bless.