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House honors Gertrude Rush during Black History Month remarks
Summary
A representative delivered a Black History Month presentation honoring Gertrude Rush, the first Black woman admitted to the Iowa bar, noting her 1918 admission, co-founding of the National Bar Association in 1925 and her work advancing access to justice.
The House of Representatives on the floor recognized Gertrude Rush on a Black History Month presentation, with a member noting Rush was the first Black woman admitted to the Iowa bar and a co‑founder of the National Bar Association.
The presiding officer recognized the representative from Clayton for the remarks. The representative said Rush was admitted to the Iowa bar in 1918, was born in 1880, and in 1925 co‑founded the National Bar Association after being denied membership in the American Bar Association because of race. The representative described Rush as an attorney, community leader and mentor who worked to expand access to justice and opportunity and emphasized principles of hard work, perseverance and equal application of justice.
The remarks framed Rush’s career as a “testament to the American dream,” urging members to honor her legacy by promoting fairness and opportunity. The presentation was delivered as part of the House’s Black History Month observances and was acknowledged from the floor; no policy action followed the remarks.
Gertrude Rush’s life and the founding of the National Bar Association were presented as historical context during the floor observance; the transcript did not include additional materials or formal resolutions related to the presentation.
