Eddie Bernice Johnson, who was a pioneer of Black women in health care and government, initially worked as a nurse in Dallas, then served as the first Black state senator from the city since Reconstruction, and later served 15 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. She passed away on Sunday at the age of 88.
Her son, Dawrence Kirk Johnson Sr., confirmed her death, but did not provide the location where she passed away.
Ms. Johnson, who grew up in segregated Waco, Texas, represented Texas in Congress from 1992 until last January. During her tenure, she advocated for legislation related to water resources, which included flood control and environmental protection, as well as education, with a focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
She held leadership roles as the chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus from 2001-2003 and as the first Black woman to lead the House Science Committee. At the time of her decision not to seek reelection in November 2022, she was the senior member of the Texas Congressional delegation and the oldest member of the House of Representatives.
In 1998, she played a key role in mobilizing Black support for President Bill Clinton during his impeachment. Additionally, she voted against the decision to authorize the war in Iraq in 2002, arguing that the administration had failed to provide evidence of an imminent threat to the United States.
She also worked to resist Republican efforts to weaken government initiatives aimed at addressing climate change.
Regarded as both indefatigable and meticulous, Ms. Johnson was also recognized as a pragmatic legislator who could collaborate across party lines to pass bills instead of engaging in grandstanding.
Mayor Eric Johnson of Dallas described her as the city’s “most effective legislator,” emphasizing her significant influence on bringing federal infrastructure funds to the city, as well as her advocacy for the interests and safety of communities and residents. He also praised her exceptional ability to navigate Washington for the people of Dallas.
Eddie Bernice Johnson was born on Dec. 3, 1935, in Waco, Texas, to Lillie Mae (White) Johnson and Edward Johnson. She was raised in a segregated community and had to overcome numerous challenges on her journey to political leadership.
While Ms. Johnson was known for her tenacity, she was also considered a practical legislator who could work effectively across party lines. She achieved great success in securing federal funds for critical infrastructure and community safety in Dallas.
In a redistricting dispute in 1989, Dallas civic leaders pointed out racial issues as a factor contributing to political representation imbalances across different ethnic groups. Ms. Johnson, who had firsthand experience with racism, acknowledged the importance of addressing racial inequalities, but also expressed concern about the perception that a racist power structure was the cause of every adversity faced by young people.
