Washington, D.C. – The DC Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition of African American faith communities dedicated to eradicating racial disparities, has issued a heartfelt and respectful request for DC Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to resign from her position. At 82 years old, the NBCI believes it is time for a new generation of leadership to take the helm in the fight for justice and equality.
Reverend Anthony Evans, President of the DC Black Church Initiative, expressed the difficulty of this decision, saying, “This is hard for me and other clergy. We love Eleanor, but the scripture says there is a time for everything, and now it is her time.” The NBCI emphasized their gratitude for Congresswoman Norton’s decades of service and her remarkable legacy, while urging her to step aside with dignity to allow the voters of D.C. to elect a younger leader who can continue the fight for civil rights and democracy.
A Legacy of Service and Accomplishment
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton has had an extraordinary career, marked by groundbreaking achievements and tireless advocacy for the people of Washington, D.C. Before her tenure in Congress, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the first woman to chair the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Her work as a civil rights and feminist leader, law professor, and board member of Fortune 500 companies made her a national figure even before she entered public office.
During her time in Congress, Norton has been a champion for D.C. residents, securing significant economic benefits and advocating for full congressional voting representation and democracy for the District. Her accomplishments include:
Education and Housing Initiatives: Norton spearheaded the District of Columbia Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG), providing up to $10,000 annually for D.C. high school graduates to attend public colleges nationwide, and a $5,000 homebuyer tax credit that boosted homeownership and stabilized the city’s population.
Economic Development: She played a pivotal role in bringing major federal projects to D.C., including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security headquarters, the Southeast Federal Center, and the relocation of thousands of jobs to the Washington Navy Yard. Her efforts also led to the development of the NoMa neighborhood and the addition of a Metro station at New York Avenue.
Financial Stability: Norton helped resolve D.C.’s financial crisis in the 1990s by restructuring the financial relationship between Congress and the District, transferring billions in unfunded pension liabilities and state costs to the federal government.
Her academic achievements are equally impressive. A graduate of Antioch College and Yale University, where she earned both a law degree and a master’s in American Studies, Norton has been recognized with numerous awards, including Yale’s highest alumni honors and over 50 honorary degrees.
A Call for Graceful Transition
While the NBCI acknowledges and celebrates Congresswoman Norton’s unparalleled contributions, they believe the time has come for her to pass the torch. “We beg in Christ to step aside and allow the voters of D.C. to pick a younger person who will stand up in the finest tradition of the civil rights that you helped to create and birth,” said Rev. Evans.
The NBCI has assured Norton of their continued respect, love, and appreciation, regardless of her decision. However, they have made it clear that if she chooses to remain in office, she will no longer have the support of the Black Church in future endeavors.
About the DC Black Church Initiative
The DC Black Church Initiative is part of the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition of 150,000 African American and Latino churches representing 27.7 million members. NBCI is committed to addressing racial disparities in healthcare, technology, education, housing, and the environment through faith-based, science-driven solutions. Guided by credible statistical analysis and proven strategies, NBCI partners with organizations and officials to tackle complex social and economic challenges.
For more information, please contact Reverend Anthony Evans at (202) 744-0184 or visit www.naltblackchurch.com.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s legacy is one of groundbreaking achievements and unwavering dedication to justice. As the DC Black Church Initiative calls for a new chapter of leadership, they do so with deep respect and gratitude for her remarkable contributions to the District and the nation.
#LeadershipChange, #CivilRights, #WashingtonDC.
