2026 SPECIAL SESSION I

INTRODUCED

26200064D

HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2058

Offered April 23, 2026

Prefiled April 23, 2026

Celebrating the life of Alice Irene Cohan.

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Patrons—Herring, Callsen, Carroll, Clark, Cole, J.G., Cole, N.T., Dougherty, Feggans, Gardner, Hope, Keys-Gamarra, Maldonado, McPike, Pope Adams, Rasoul, Reid, Schmidt, Sewell, Shin, Ward, Ware and Whittle

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WHEREAS, Alice Irene Cohan, a dedicated feminist advocate who played a leading role in founding and directing a number of the women's movement's most influential organizations, died on January 24, 2026; and

WHEREAS, a native of Trenton, New Jersey, Alice Cohan's activism began in the 1960s with anti-Vietnam War protests and peace rallies, which led to her involvement with other social movements and causes; and

WHEREAS, as a member of the National Organization for Women, Alice Cohan campaigned across the country in support of the passage of the Equal Rights Amendment; and

WHEREAS, Alice Cohan was a founding member of the National Women's Political Caucus and formed its Youth Caucus at the organization's first convention; and

WHEREAS, Alice Cohan later cofounded the Feminist Majority Foundation in 1987 and served as the organization's political director for several years; and

WHEREAS, one of the crowning achievements of Alice Cohan's career was helping to organize the March for Women's Lives in Washington, D.C., in 2004, which brought more than one million participants to the nation's capital; and

WHEREAS, Alice Cohan gave generously of her time to mentor others and to help those in need, leaving a legacy that will inspire those who knew her for many years to come; and

WHEREAS, in recognition of her efforts, Alice Cohan was presented the Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Organization for Women in 2019; and

WHEREAS, in her personal time, Alice Cohan found immense joy in fashioning handmade beaded necklaces, which she was known to gift to friends and colleagues, and she was an accomplished spoon player; and

WHEREAS, preceded in death by her partner, Janet, Alice Cohan will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her brother, David, and his family, and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Delegates hereby note with great sadness the loss of Alice Irene Cohan, a guiding light in the feminist movement whose steadfast advocacy and determination made an impact on countless lives; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Alice Irene Cohan as an expression of the House of Delegates' respect for her memory.