Congressional Black Caucus Statement on Retirement of Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman

"On behalf of the Congressional Black Caucus, I extend our gratitude and highest respect and honor to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman for her remarkable, barrier-breaking career spanning more than 50 years of public service to the State of New Jersey and the nation.

"Notably, Rep. Coleman made history in 2015, becoming the first African American woman to represent New Jersey in the U.S. House of Representatives. Since coming to Congress, Rep. Coleman has worked to advance criminal justice reform, health equity, and economic justice for communities that have for too long gone underserved.

"As a dedicated member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Rep. Coleman has advocated tirelessly on behalf of our communities, championing the CROWN Act to ban anti-Black hair discrimination and serving as a co-founder of the Congressional Caucus on Black Women and Girls. In moments of great need for our country, Rep. Coleman has time and again been an eloquent, outspoken and courageous voice, helping to steer our Caucus in the right direction. Our communities were the beneficiaries of her wisdom and moral authority.

"Throughout her career, from the New Jersey General Assembly to the U.S. Congress, Congresswoman Watson Coleman has led with courage, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to justice. Her legacy of service has opened doors for future generations and strengthened the fight for equity and opportunity across our nation.

"The Congressional Black Caucus is deeply grateful for her leadership, her mentorship, and her enduring impact on the People's House. New Jersey and our nation have been made better for her hard work and dedication. We look forward to working alongside Rep. Coleman as she serves the remainder of her remarkable tenure in Congress."