We are deeply saddened by the passing of Cecile Richards and honor her incredible legacy.
Cecile, the eldest daughter of Ann Richards, was a true champion for justice, equity, and opportunity.
Throughout her life, she fought to build power for the most vulnerable, and left an indelible mark on our community and beyond.
Cecile was a tireless advocate for women and girls, a longtime and generous supporter of the Ann Richards School’s mission, and a role model for our students. Her impact was immeasurable, and she will be deeply missed.
Cecile’s connection to the Ann Richards School and its students was profound. On one memorable visit, she inspired our Stars with these powerful words: “You are tougher, stronger, and more resilient than you think, and you have Ann Richards looking over you, encouraging you on. The future is yours.”
During her tour and talk with the student body, she ignited a sense of possibility and purpose in every Star she met.
She also made a lasting impression on our 7th-grade Stars during a special author visit to discuss the young readers edition of Make Trouble, which she co-wrote with Lauren Peterson. Class of 2020 senior Ahna S. had the honor of interviewing Cecile and Lauren, and the students left with invaluable advice on writing and advocating for their beliefs.
At the 2019 Texas Tribune Festival, our Stars had the opportunity to attend Cecile’s panel and spend time with her afterward. Her words energized and inspired them, leaving them thankful for the chance to learn from her wisdom and leadership.
Cecile’s wisdom often reminded us of the power of education and advocacy.
In a video interview with Class of 2014 grad Savannah, Cecile shared, “it’s so exciting to me, that now, because of this school, we are going to have thousands of young women who are going to be leaders in the state of Texas who may not have had that chance before.”
Adding, “with young people, it’s very empowering to speak up, particularly for those folks who may need someone to speak up for them at the time. If you speak up and you take a stand, there are a lot of other folks who are just waiting to follow.”
Please join us in holding Cecile’s family in our thoughts during this difficult time.
Her family has shared the following statement:
“This morning our beloved Cecile passed away at home, surrounded by her family and her ever-loyal dog, Ollie. Our hearts are broken today but no words can do justice to the joy she brought to our lives.
We are grateful to the doctors and health care workers who provided her excellent care and the friends, family, and well-wishers who have been by her side during this challenging time.
If you’d like to celebrate Cecile today, we invite you to put on some New Orleans jazz, gather with friends and family over a good meal, and remember something she said a lot over the last year: ‘It’s not hard to imagine future generations one day asking: ‘When there was so much at stake for our country, what did you do?’ The only acceptable answer is: ‘Everything we could.’”
— Kirk, Lily, Hannah, and Daniel
Cecile Richards’ legacy will continue to inspire us to dream big, speak up, and fight for justice—just as she did so courageously throughout her life.
Presenting an interview with Cecile Richards
