A note on Cecile Richards

A prominent champion of reproductive rights dies after a battle with brain cancer.

By now, everyone has heard the news that Cecile Richards, the one-time leader of Planned Parenthood and a powerhouse of Democratic politics, has passed away after being diagnosed with incurable brain cancer.

Richards’ resolve and fighting spirit showed throughout her career, most notably when she testified before Congress in 2015 about whether they should continue to get federal funding. She was also key in the initial resistance against President Donald Trump.

Her legacy is also intertwined with that of her mother, one-time Texas Gov. Ann Richards. Cecile played a vital role in the last successful statewide candidacy. That’s one of the campaigns I’ve studied as I’ve sought to help develop a grassroots strategy to elect Democrats there. Cecile and Ann had an innate understanding of how Texans talked and thought.

Anytime some great leader passes, whether it’s in politics, art, or some other endeavor, it’s essential to realize that their unique approach is not something that can ever be replaced. The confluence of factors that shaped them or the environment they reacted to will not be duplicated by another person.

However, one of the things in her memoir that stuck with me was when she encouraged young people, particularly women, to find the courage to lead. Ultimately, whoever does will have their unique background, backstory, and characteristics to make them effective leaders. Let’s hope for that person and support them when they come along. And celebrate and recognize them when they do.