May 21, 2026
Pressley Delivers Floor Speech Honoring the Life and Legacy of Andrew Joseph Jr.
“Our collective fight for justice was strengthened by Mr. Joseph, and he will always be remembered for his dedication to uplifting community.”
WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) delivered a heartfelt speech on the House floor honoring the life and legacy of Andrew Joseph Jr., a dedicated father, beloved community member, and organizer in the fight to end police violence. Rep. Pressley lauded Andrew Joseph Jr.’s work as an advocate with Black Lives Matter Grassroots and partner in pushing for the Ending Qualified Immunity Act.
In April 2023, Rep. Pressley and Mr. Joseph participated in a press conference to announce the reintroduction of the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, which would eliminate the unjust and court-invented doctrine of qualified immunity and restore the ability for people to obtain relief when state and local officials, including police officers, violate their legal and constitutionally secured rights.
A transcript of Congresswoman Pressley’s floor speech is available below and the video is available here.
Transcript: Pressley Delivers Floor Speech Honoring the Life and Legacy of Andrew Joseph Jr.
U.S. House of Representatives
May 21, 2026
Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of brother Andrew Joseph Jr.—a father, husband, advocate, and a good man.
We first met several years ago at a protest demanding an end to police violence.
He, alongside his wife and partner of 28 years, Deanna Joseph, had experienced unspeakable heartbreak when their 14-year-old son, Andrew Joseph III, was killed as a result of police misconduct.
Mr. Joseph turned his pain into purpose and committed to organizing with Black Lives Matter Grassroots for justice at the local, state, and federal level, including advocating for the passage of my legislation, the Ending Qualified Immunity Act, to hold law enforcement accountable when they violate our rights.
Our collective fight for justice was strengthened by Mr. Joseph, and he will always be remembered for his dedication to uplifting community.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Joseph is survived by his daughter, Deja—who recently graduated from Howard University with honors earlier this month.
On behalf of myself, my family, and my team, I extend our deepest condolences. Ashe.
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