City of Dallas to Light Up Downtown Dallas in honor of former U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice
The City of Dallas is honoring the life and legacy of the late U.S. Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson with a display of banners at Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station. A special thanks to Visit Dallas for working with the city to make the display visible to the public, depicting photos of Congresswoman Johnson throughout important stages in her trailblazing career.
“Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson was an extraordinary and beloved leader in the Dallas community.” said Mayor Eric L. Johnson. “Congresswoman Johnson’s contributions to improving the lives of her constituents and the community at large are truly immeasurable, and her legacy of leadership, service and deep love of Dallas will endure for generations to come.”
Following her memorial service on Tuesday, the downtown skyline will be lit in yellow that evening to commemorate her life and legacy. The color yellow represents the “Yellow Rose of Texas” and is a symbol of resilience.
She was a champion for the Dallas region throughout her long career in Dallas, being the first Black woman elected to public office in Dallas, serving in the state legislature, and serving Congress for 30 years. Her legacy will continue through the generations of Texans she has impacted.
City of Dallas Statements on Death of Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson’s Statement on the Death of Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
Today, our nation, our state, and our city have lost a statesman, a trailblazer, and a champion.
And I have lost a dear friend, confidante, and mentor.
I first met Eddie Bernice Johnson when I was in high school. She was new to Congress then, but she wasn’t new to politics and policymaking after serving two decades in the Texas Legislature.
In the years since then, Dallas and our state grew and changed at an incredible pace. But in Washington, we had a constant, steady, determined leader fighting for our communities and representing our interests. Eddie Bernice Johnson authored and co-authored more than 177 bills that became law, and she worked with both Republicans and Democrats to get the job done for Dallas, for our region, and for our state. She was the single most effective legislator Dallas has ever had. Nobody brought more federal infrastructure money home to our city. Nobody fought harder for our communities and our residents’ interests and safety. And nobody knew how to navigate Washington better for the people of Dallas.
I had hoped that, after a distinguished three-decade career in the United States Capitol, we would have more time with her back at home. It was clear that she still had that same fire and passion for public service that initially drove her to become the first nurse to win election both to the Texas Legislature and to Congress.
Personally and professionally, she touched countless lives, including mine. I am devastated and heartbroken by her passing, and my thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones. May she rest in the peace she deserves after a life well lived, and may her legacy long endure in Dallas and in the nation she helped shape.
Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Carolyn King Arnold Statement on Death of Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
I was truly saddened today to wake up to the news that Congresswoman Johnson had passed. I have many great memories working alongside her in southern Dallas, where she made it clear she was there to get things done. She waited for no one to do what she could get done herself – and better! What a fierce woman she was for Dallas!
As the only African American woman on the City Council, I valued her advice on the importance of working with the federal government as a partner to address many of the issues the city faced such as transportation, Veterans care, small business funding and other critical areas. Most importantly, she stressed the need to be inclusive of a diverse group to accomplish the goal.
I am sending prayers and blessings for her family as they prepare her homegoing.
Council Member Bazaldua Statement on Death of Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
I was heartbroken today to learn of the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. The mark she has left on Dallas, and specifically Council District 7, cannot be matched. She loved her City and no one has fought harder for us. My family and I extend our deepest love and condolences to her family. Her memory is most certainly a blessing.
Council Member Blackmon Statement on Death of Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
Dallas lost a trailblazer today with the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. She was a true champion for Dallas and, in particular, White Rock Lake. Her advocacy is a testament to her commitment to the environment and the recreational spaces that everyone in the Dallas community could enjoy. When she said, “I got this,” you knew it was good as done. I’m grateful to have been able to call Eddie Bernice Johnson my friend; my prayers are with her family and friends.
City Manager T.C. Broadnax Statement on Death of Former U.S. Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
It is with a heavy heart to hear about the passing of Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson. She was definitely a trailblazer and leaves behind an unmatched legacy in our Dallas and Texas communities. I want to offer my deepest sympathies and support for her family during this difficult time.
