"Over the years I’ve reflected on … all of the seeds that she has planted in me, and how she has watered them over the years and watched them grow. She has made me feel like there’s not anything that I can’t accomplish, that I can’t do, that I can’t overcome."

"Bland’s legacy is one of a dedicated public servant who encouraged young people to further their education and participate in public service."

"I used to write drama for my learners and for children at church, and everyone would compliment me"

"She served as a role model and mentor to numerous young men and women throughout her distinguished career in public service."

"However, I knew that I loved it and it kept calling me every time I tried to tell myself that I should pursue a different career"

"She didn't like to be called a politician; she like to be called a servant of the people."

"I didn’t want to tell my parents that I was going to audition because nobody believed in acting back then and our community didn’t think it was for black people"

"One of the most important things that she always wanted people to know was that she was here to help, and she was a servant of God."

"She was very motivated by what she believed to be right"

"Her daughter Arletha Bland-Manlove said she was an “extraordinary public servant” who earned respect from residents in her area."

"Mary Groves Bland was a tireless public servant and an unwavering champion for social justice throughout her life, and I was honored to know and work with her."

"And (Birckhead) went on to even greater heights. She really reached heights no other Black woman reached."

"Miss Fannie’ was a powerhouse in our community. Advocating and securing needed assistance for vulnerable populations and serving in many key roles to address equity and fairness issues."

"The fact that Fannie stayed there and overcame the adversity she had to and did what she did for the community, I find that amazing."

"I’m not a liberal or a conservative. I look at the issues and make decisions based on what I believe."

"I have a vested interest in what goes on here. She went on to add that the members of the council worked together to serve the entire community, even though we disagree at times."

"She was short in stature, but she was a giant among giants in the things that she stood for."

"Yes, gentleman, but there are DUNGEONS in some of those castles!"

"Her life has been dedicated to improving the lives of Idahoans through the power of education. Her life has been, and continues to be, a life of service."

"I cannot think of a more deserving person for this honor."

"Maxine epitomizes service as indicated by the many years that she represented our community in the Idaho State Legislature. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful person residing in our community. I am blessed to call her a friend and mentor. Thank you Maxine!"

"Representative Bell’s wisdom and guidance leading JFAC has had a profound and lasting impact on the fiscal responsibility of the state of Idaho. Her prudence extends far past her work in the legislature, making her an esteemed leader in Jerome and beyond."

"Gerta Bendl was a force of nature."

"Representative Maxine Bell dedicated her life to serving her community and the people of Idaho."

"Her remarkable 30-year tenure in the Idaho legislature brought about great progress for the Magic Valley and strengthened our state. I’m pleased to see the Senate approve the naming of the Representative Maxine Bell Post Office in Jerome, where her legacy will inspire generations of Idahoans."

"Truly a modern-day Renaissance woman whose talent, drive and community spirit have long served as an inspiration for everyone and especially other women."

"I did not run to be the first woman (elected to the Senate). I didn’t run from that perspective at all. I ran because education needed help."

"The No. 1 priority is to thank her for what she has done for the school."

"Her background and her experience allowed her to connect with anyone. She projected a warm, caring personality whether she was talking to a rich country club member or a single mother wondering how she would feed her family."

"It’s really hard to be by yourself day in and day out and not talk to other people"

"I always kind of thought I’d just work at the sawmill. But life, as it often does, had other plans."

"It was a really good childhood, It was typical of the ‘30s in Alabama. Nobody locked their doors … If you did anything bad, misbehaved, your mama got a call, no matter where you were."

"It was called the Lawless Pool. “Because Mr. Lawless ran it. I always thought that was a funny name."

"The problem is, sometimes you get too interested."

"I really didn’t like being in the House. It’s really difficult to get anything done. He’s just so good looking."

"These are just some of the issues that have not become better, but in many parts of the world have become worse including in our own country …so this suggest that we are not at the stage where we can rest, we need to continue."

"I’ll tell you what, I married when I was 19, and after a while I had two children. We married way too young, didn’t know what we were doing, and very quickly decided we would get a divorce."

"If we are still using the old method we shall continue to get the same results as we did in the past."

"This demonstrates the importance of being united …we realise that sisterhood matters… it actually does not matter what political party you represent, what matters is standing for the truth."

"I was ready to leave for the Senate right then. I just thought, not even the women can stick together in here."

"It is no secret that Republicans face a challenging political environment in California. Republicans embrace taxpayers who want a more efficient government, parents who want better schools and safer streets, and citizens who want their constitutional freedoms protected. ... I will do everything I can as the next leader to spread that message in every part of the state."

"Her career in social work helping our most vulnerable communities, and her leadership at local, county, and state levels will prove essential."

"I have a responsibility towards the next generation, not just an African American but for all of humanity who need someone’s shoulders to lift themselves up."

"Though special interests tried to ruin her good name, those who know Lenore understand the important role she has played in the fight for liberty. She has blessed Idaho with her service more than we could ever express."

"Lenore’s legacy lives large in the Idaho Capitol"

"She is as astute a mayor as anyone Evanston has had."

"She just thought she had a better chance of getting things done by trying to engage people rather than getting in their face about it. She kept trying to find ways [different sides] could agree on things."

"I think everyone had enormous respect for Joan. I was so sorry to hear about her death. I think she will be remembered very fondly by Evanstonians for her many contributions to the city. She was a woman who stood up to take a leadership role at that time. I think it was actually pretty courageous to run. I think she inspired other women to run for office."