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Ellen R. Malcolm Statement on the Death of Gov. Ann Richards

During the final days of her first campaign for governor of Texas, Ann Richards spoke of her dream to lead a great march of women and men, black, white and brown, rich and poor over Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge to the state capitol to "build the New Texas."

And the morning of her inauguration, her dream came true. Dozens of women leaders from Texas and across the country met for breakfast in the lobby of an office building on Congress Avenue. I remember feeling a thrill as we watched the march grow close. With school children in the lead, thousands of people paraded over the bridge and up the hill toward the state capitol. And as the parade reached our office building, it stopped and welcomed us to join the front of the march to hold political power in the New Texas.

For more than 35 years, Ann Richards worked to give women, minorities, and the less fortunate political power. Whether it was making us laugh, inspiring us with her passion, or just plain making us proud, Ann always found a way to lead us into a world where we could make a difference.

I have laughed because of Ann. I have cried because of Ann. I have examined my purpose and my determination because of Ann. I have always felt the invincible, unstoppable power of women because of Ann.

Every young girl—and every adult woman—needs a hero. On September 13, we lost a true hero.

Thank you, Ann Richards.