Eva M. Clayton: “Mr. Chairman, next year the Chicago Bulls may be without their superstar, Michael Jordan. If so, that will be an…”

“Mr. Chairman, next year the Chicago Bulls may be without their superstar, Michael Jordan. If so, that will be an irreplaceable loss. In the next Congress, we will be without our superstar, my friend, our colleague Louis Stokes. That will indeed be an irreplaceable loss. We know the story of John Henry, the steel-driving man. He built the railroad with his bare hands. When all others and all else failed, John Henry performed. Louis Stokes is a modern-day John Henry. He has helped to build this institution, the Congress of the United States, with his bare hands. He has not used fancy gimmicks, high technology, nor futuristic gadgetry. Louis Stokes is not that kind of person. Mr. Chairman, he has helped build this institution with good old-fashioned statesmanship, unblemished credibility, impeccable integrity, honest dealing, and a deep commitment to public service. While we lament the loss of Lou, we rejoice at the gain for his family, his lovely wife, his wonderful children and grandchildren, all of which grew up within the Congress and who he loves dearly. This son of Cleveland has always been up to the challenge and prepared for the task. But most importantly, when all else failed, when the machines did not work and the mountain would not move, we could always count on Lou. Louis Stokes is a steel-driving man. Born of humble means, throughout his life, Lou refused to accept mediocrity. He had hopes and dreams. He had goals.”