Three highly respected Democrats remembered Congresswoman Louise Slaughter at funeral services on Friday.
Hillary Clinton, Congressman John Lewis and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi led a group of speakers who reflected on the life and legacy of Rep. Slaughter.
Slaughter died last week after serving the Rochester area for decades in Congress. She was known for her fierce words, no-nonsense attitude, and her Southern charm.
“It is legendary to think of her tenacity and her determination,” reflected Clinton. “Nothing could stop Louise once she made up her mind. She was fierce and determined, but she was also savvy.”
Clinton added, “We need more Louise Slaughters today more than ever.”
“You didn’t want to get in an argument with her,” Rep. Lewis fondly recalled of Slaughter, “because you knew in the end… she would win.”
Rep. Pelosi told members of the audience, “She was full of surprises… With a great smile and beautiful voice… [She was] a perfect balance of grit and grace.”
Her fierce attitude was an incredible asset for the people of western New York, the speakers explained.
“She was the person who cared for the caretakers. For those who gave their life in service for the church or the community or the country,” said Rep. Lewis.
“She felt a deep pride in representing this area,” Rep. Pelosi added.
“As the people of Rochester and Buffalo and Niagara Falls know, there was no one better to have in your corner than Louise,” said Clinton.
Speakers explained she felt a deep connection to the Rochester area and to the people who came before her. As a trailblazer in Congress, Rep. Pelosi said she wanted to see other women succeed.
“She was always promoting women,” explained Pelosi. “She made Congress more diverse, more welcoming of women.”
“Louise never forgot that she stood on the shoulders of brave trailblazers,” Clinton said, adding, “she proved [suffragettes] were right, all those years ago in Seneca Falls.”
Hillary Clinton
Rep. John Lewis
Rep. Pelosi
