"In a time when few women held public leadership roles, she distinguished herself as a passionate leader and pioneer, effective consensus-builder and powerful agent of change."

"Since I joined the County Board in 1973, Arlington has become a community of rich diversity, expanding opportunities and ever more complex governmental challenges. I know we can meet whatever lies ahead due to the pride that Arlingtonians show for their community and their willingness to help make it better. I am privileged to have been a part of this process."

"I was devastated because I thought she had more time."

"Although she was of a small stature she was a giant in the legislature."

"No one should be measured by the mistakes that they make. But once Bowers got out she got right back into the game."

"A powerful force in the Memphis Political scene has passed."

"A tireless advocate for women, the poor and underserved."

"Powerful, visionary, committed, friend. These are all words Kathryn Bowers’ loved ones used to describe her, including Lexie Carter."

"A unified front will be most important to continue being successful under one Guam strategy."

"Congresswoman Bordallo has graciously conceded the election. I respectfully ask that all honors and respect due to a paragon of public service be afforded to her, and look forward to working hand in hand with her to ensure continuity of the people's interests in Washington, D.C."

"In addition to her career, Bordallo has generously given her time to civic organizations and community events that endear her even further to the island."

"During a time of partisan gridlock in Washington, Bordallo emphasized the importance of being a strong and reliable leader with strong ties can bring diverse coalitions together to pass legislation in Congress."

"I’m proof that things can change."

"We honor her as an ancestor for reminding us of the power to change the circumstances we were born into."

"Unita Blackwell epitomizes the power of community-based efforts and of Black women in the Civil Rights Movement to enact change at the local and regional level."

"There's no job too big to benefit from a small town person's perspective, I discovered, just as there's no town too small for thinking big."

"Blackwell’s work and legacy went beyond her local community. She became a vocal advocate for the inclusion of women and people of color in the broader political system, encouraging others to take leadership roles and fight for change."

"She was a steadfast advocate for the rights of the disenfranchised and worked to create a more inclusive and just community."

"I am saddened by the passing of Unita Blackwell. She dedicated her life to fighting for civil rights in Mississippi. We are forever grateful for her work and sacrifice."

"Our hearts are heavy today after hearing the news that former Mayersville Mayor Unita Blackwell has passed. We are a better state for her determination to make Mississippi a more just place. She remains a role model for generations of women who serve in city halls, county courthouses and the Mississippi Capitol. Godspeed, Mayor Blackwell. We salute you."

"Her leadership was also marked by a commitment to uplifting women and children, often neglected in the larger political landscape."

"The more I heard about white people being so against it. the more I started thinking there must be something in this voting."

"…what happened outside the courthouse that day was the turning point in my life."

"When the bossman says you go to the fields, everybody went to the fields; schools closed down."

"Most importantly, she was a public servant in the truest sense of the word—a woman who lived her life with kindness, grace, and an unwavering dedication to justice. She will be tremendously missed."

"She was a friend … someone who could give me insights into issues I hadn’t had much experience with."

"When she got her teeth into something, it was like she couldn’t let go. She would come every year with a bill to keep guns out of libraries … it wouldn’t even get out of committee, but she wouldn’t give up."

"Mamye understood that what people need in their darkest moments is a hand up."

"She really believed in public service, we wanted to make a difference.I know my mother loved Newport News and loved Virginia and gave her all to them."

"I learned so much from Mamye and appreciated her encouragement, support, and wisdom. We are keeping her family lifted in prayer."

"Her commitment to serving our community and her leadership on education was legendary and was supported by her faith, her belief in what children can become, and her love of family."

"And yet this fierce advocate was best known among her colleagues as one of the warmest, kindest people ever to walk these halls. While we often disagreed, she was never disagreeable."

"She was a wonderful lady. She cared about people. She worked hard, and tirelessly. She was thoughtful, and compassionate and caring"

"They couldn't deal with a 'girl from the kitchen' making big budget decisions."

"She utilizes a pro-active, preemptive and anticipatory approach to these issues that prevents and removes obstacles to achieving community diversity program goals."

"She did her homework, she understood issues far beyond her job and she had a broader vision, acting locally while thinking globally before that phrase had been invented."

"Not only did she tell women they could and should participate in electoral politics, she told men they had to move over. Her courage, integrity and quick, creative mind imbued her life long quest for a more just society."

"She utilizes a proactive, preemptive, and anticipatory approach to these issues that prevents and removes obstacles to achieving diversity program goals."

"While she was an inspiration to women, the truth is she believed in merit, and would help anyone with potential to fulfill their dreams."

"I knew Barbara as a fiery conservative legislator who spoke with a refreshing directness on social issues."

"She knew hard work and success as well as poverty and political failure."

"Barbara's life reminds us that it's not only important to have strong beliefs but to act upon those beliefs."

"Through it all her faith in her Lord did not waver."

"A savvy politician who could compromise but knew what she was aiming for and held to the path."

"A lifelong advocate for the disenfranchised, Ackermann was driven by an unwavering conviction in equality for all, a notion spanning her political career."

"She was a tireless advocate for the safety of women and children and her legislative legacy is still felt and appreciated by families today."

"Embodied the term “social justice warrior” in its truest form."

"Her decades-long fight for social equality defined her life in public service and her reputation for never backing down truly qualified her for the title."

"She was indomitable."