"Former Trailblazing Texas Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson Passes Away at 88"
Eddie Bernice Johnson, a pioneering Texas congresswoman who was the first Black woman to chair the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, passed away at the age of 88. She served in the House for 30 years and was known for her significant contributions to the Dallas area, her advocacy for STEM opportunities for minority students, and her efforts to combat climate change. Leaders, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, have paid tribute to her legacy and impact on public service. Johnson's career was marked by many firsts, including being the first registered nurse elected to Congress and the first Black chief psychiatric nurse at a Dallas VA hospital. Her dedication to public service and her fight for justice were inspired by her own experiences with racism and segregation.