Political Quotes

“I come before the House as a proud cosponsor of this resolution to commend Medgar Wiley Evers and his widow, Myrlie Evers. I had the great privilege of coming from Arlington Cemetery where we gathered with people from all across the country, all across my State to remember the life and the legacy of Medgar Evers today. It was 40 years ago that Mississippi lost one of her bright stars. His flame was extinguished by ignorance and hatred, yet his light shines on. Today, we do not mourn; we celebrate his life. We celebrate his courage; we celebrate his commitment for equal justice, equal protection, equality of opportunity, equality of education, and equal political rights. And when we look at his legacy today, I am a son of Mississippi. I am 40 years old this year. In 2 months, I celebrate my 40th birthday. My first grade class was integrated. I had the great privilege of attending public schools that were integrated. Political rights came about not only through Medgar Evers but many others who struggled during that time so that Mississippi now, in many ways, is making progress, with the highest number of African American elected officials in the land. So educationally, economically, and politically Medgar Evers' legacy lives on.”