Matthew Segal: A Tribute To My Friend, Stephanie Tubbs Jones
A fitting tribute to a great lady from her good friend. We join Matt in sending our heartfelt condolences to Congresswoman Tubbs Jones’ family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working closely with her throughout the years.
Most everybody who is a friend or colleague of mine has come to know of my friendship with Stephanie Tubbs Jones over the past few years. I liked to talk about her — the loud and proud gentlelady from Ohio, the sassy fighter for social justice who always wore bright red power suits, the woman who refused to shake your hand when she met you insisting on a hug instead.
The most impressive part about Stephanie, however, was how courageous and authentic she was. In the elections world, she will be remembered for standing up in front of Congress and Vice President Cheney to contest the 2004 counting of Ohio’s 20 electoral votes.
Just after I introduced her for a speech she gave six weeks ago, she told the audience about her decision to protest the 2004 electoral vote certification with Senator Boxer. She said that she was threatened at the time — that if she were to contest the Ohio vote certification that she might be blacklisted by certain House members or might lose her ability to secure earmarks for her congressional district.
Her response? “Bring it on!” Stephanie explained that people like her would outlast those in Congress who are too fearful of political consequences. Now, we can only hope her like-minded colleagues will sustain her tenacity.
September 5th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Stephanie Tubbs Jones (In Memorial)
The month of September, 10th day, the year 1949,
Looking down from heaven God said, “It’s time,”
Cleveland, Ohio, born to Andrew and Mary Tubbs,
Siblings Mattie and Barbara, Stephanie I was dubbed.
Well, equality in that time period was not a household name,
Miles Elementary, Collinwood High, through the ranks I came,
B.A. in Social Work from prestigious Case Western Reserve,
I had high hopes, big dreams and all of my life, a lot of nerve.
Gainful employment in public service was my entire career,
I was determined to move forward, like Joshua I had no fear,
Aware there were those who would scrutinize my every move,
With God above, my race and females under me, I couldn’t lose.
Someone had to set the standard, be the forerunner on this track,
Time for a breakthrough in the movement, I couldn’t look back,
Brothers Carl & Louis Stokes from my city put dents in the door,
I had to knock stereotypes down, at least put in a few dents more.
Assistant County Prosecutor and Trial Attorney for the E.E.O.C.,
Some might think that’s the end, it was only the beginning for me,
1982, Cleveland Municipal Court Judge was my first elected gig,
It was really getting good to me now and I just continued to dig.
Honorary Doctorates @ Meyers, Notre Dame College, Central, CSU,
Do you think that’s something? Ha! I’m not even half way through,
1st African-American woman on Common Pleas Court, State of Ohio,
1991, first female Cuyahoga County Prosecutor, lots more for the bio.
Upon the retirement from congress of the Honorable Louis Stokes,
Ran in his place, won convincingly, I showed many it’s not a joke,
While in Congress I continued to achieve, breaking new ground,
There’d be no status-quo long as Congresswoman Tubbs is around.
This new chapter, President of the Freshman Congressional Class,
Co-Chair of this, Whip of that, so many more, how long does it last?
I could have won an Olympic Gold Medal because I moved so fast,
Yet with extra care and precision because I lived in a house of glass.
Let’s back up to November 1976, marriage to Mr. Mervyn L. Jones,
A stellar performance for sure but alas, I did not accomplish it alone,
A partner, compadre and Mervyn Jr. as one became two then three,
Special thanks to my loving sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Yes, there were trying times, some with pain, suffering and hurt,
Praise God I was a lifelong member of Bethany Baptist Church,
If I’ve skipped anyone or anything there’s too many to mention,
And everyone should know by now that was never my intention.
Super Woman’s work is never done and that’s a very good thing too,
Much has been done already with seemingly way so much more to do,
The 2008 DNC is next week however my Father is calling me home,
Love & thanks with appreciation. Sincerely, Stephanie Tubbs Jones.
Poems By Luke Easter