Mike Thompson: “On September 25, 1957, nine African American high school students voluntarily risked their lives to remind us of the…”

“On September 25, 1957, nine African American high school students voluntarily risked their lives to remind us of the basic American principles. When Jean Trickey, Carlotta LaNier, Melba Beals, Terrence Roberts, Gloria Karlmark, Thelma Wair, Ernie Green, Elizabeth Eckford and Jefferson Thomas stepped onto the campus at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, they forced our country to admit that segregation is an abomination to every democratic principle and every freedom we enjoy as Americans. Make no mistake, this is about race. It is about all the valiant men and women who fought in and are still fighting in our Nation's struggle to recognize the civil rights of every American. By passing H.R. 2560 and bestowing the highest award Congress can present to civilians on the Little Rock Nine, Congress is sending an historic, significant message. It is important for that little boy to be able to play baseball on the lighted field, and it is equally important for all Americans to recognize men and women who made that seemingly small feat possible for a small town boy in Arkansas. Today, our Nation has a solemn and long overdue thanks. Thanks to the civil rights pioneers who blazed a trail through the wilderness of racial discrimination to lead our Nation, kicking and screaming at times, down the path of justice and equality. I might add, Madam Speaker, it is long overdue. These individuals who are now all in their mid-fifties have paid a tremendous price.”