Nikema Williams: “I am here tonight as a daughter of Alabama, as the Congresswoman representing Georgia's Fifth Congressional District in…”

“I am here tonight as a daughter of Alabama, as the Congresswoman representing Georgia's Fifth Congressional District in the seat that was held by Congressman John Lewis for over 30 years. Mr. Speaker, Congressman John Lewis already laid the blueprint for us. We are here as the Congressional Black Caucus to honor him 56 years after Bloody Sunday. We have an obligation to get in good trouble and continue Congressman Lewis' legacy. As Congressman Lewis told us, when we see something that is not right, when we see something that is not fair, when we see something that is not just, we have an obligation to speak up, to stand up, to find a way to get in the way. As we continue the work for the people on this floor, we will do that in the legacy of John Robert Lewis. Thus, our power, that is our message. Mr. Speaker, yesterday marked the 56th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, the day my friend, mentor and predecessor, the late Congressman John Lewis and hundreds of demonstrators nearly lost their lives attempting to peacefully cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in the interest of voting rights. The images of Black men, women being brutally beaten by police officers wielding billy clubs and tear gas are still haunting. The violence sent many of the activists to the hospital because of the extent of their injuries.…”