Washington, D.C. — The DC Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition of African American faith communities, has issued a respectful call for Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton to resign from her role as the District’s non-voting representative in Congress. At 82 years old, Norton has served D.C. for decades, but NBCI leaders believe it is now time for a younger generation to continue the fight for justice, equality, and statehood.
A Difficult Request from Community Leaders
Reverend Anthony Evans, President of the DC Black Church Initiative, acknowledged the weight of the appeal.
“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,” Evans said.
The organization emphasized that their appeal is not a rejection of Norton’s legacy but a recognition that leadership renewal is vital. They urged her to step aside with dignity, allowing D.C. residents to elect a younger voice to carry forward the struggle for civil rights and democracy.
Norton’s Legacy of Service
Eleanor Holmes Norton’s career is one of trailblazing achievement. Before entering Congress, she was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the first woman to chair the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). She was already nationally recognized as a civil rights activist, feminist leader, law professor, and corporate board member.
Since her election as D.C.’s Delegate in 1991, Norton has secured critical victories for the District, despite the limitations of her non-voting role. Her advocacy has consistently centered on securing full congressional representation for D.C. residents and expanding economic opportunities.
Key Achievements
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Education and Housing: Norton led the creation of the D.C. Tuition Assistance Grant (DCTAG), providing up to $10,000 annually for D.C. high school graduates to attend public universities nationwide. She also introduced a $5,000 homebuyer tax credit that helped stabilize the city’s population.
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Economic Development: Norton was instrumental in bringing large-scale federal projects to the District, including the Department of Homeland Security headquarters and the redevelopment of the Southeast Federal Center. She played a major role in transforming the Navy Yard area, the NoMa neighborhood, and securing a Metro station at New York Avenue.
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Financial Stability: During the District’s 1990s financial crisis, Norton negotiated reforms that shifted billions of unfunded pension liabilities and state-level expenses to the federal government, helping stabilize the city’s finances.
Her academic background further underscores her influence. A graduate of Antioch College and Yale University, she holds a law degree and a master’s in American Studies. Over the years, she has earned more than 50 honorary degrees and Yale’s highest alumni honor.
A Call for Graceful Transition
While praising Norton’s legacy, NBCI leaders say renewal is necessary. “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,” Rev. Evans said.
NBCI assured Norton of their continued respect, admiration, and love. Still, they made it clear that if she remains in office, she will no longer enjoy the backing of the Black Church in future initiatives.
About the DC Black Church Initiative
The DC Black Church Initiative operates under the National Black Church Initiative (NBCI), a coalition of 150,000 African American and Latino churches representing nearly 27.7 million members nationwide. NBCI addresses disparities in healthcare, education, housing, technology, and the environment through faith-based and science-driven approaches.
For more information, the group directed inquiries to Rev. Anthony Evans at (202) 744-0184 or their official website, www.naltblackchurch.com.
Closing Reflection
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton’s name is synonymous with resilience, advocacy, and progress. For decades, she has fought tirelessly for the people of Washington, D.C. As the NBCI calls for generational change, they do so with deep gratitude for her service and with hope for a future shaped by the next wave of civil rights leadership.
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