On the recordSeptember 8, 2015
I rise this evening to pay tribute to an historic, distinguished former Member of this Chamber--Louis Stokes of Cleveland, Ohio. Congressman Stokes passed away on August 18, at the age of 90, with his loving wife of 55 years, Jeanette, by his side. On behalf of the people of Ohio and the Ohio delegation, I would like to express our deep sadness and enduring gratitude for the life of Louis Stokes. Growing up in Cleveland in public housing, with his brother, Carl, and their widowed mother, life was hard, but Lou triumphed over hardship to become a passionate voice for the less fortunate. He gave his life to public service, serving 3 years in the Army before using the benefits he earned under the GI Bill to attend college and law school; and, I might say, he served in a segregated Army. He worked closely with the NAACP and argued the landmark stop and frisk case, Terry v. Ohio, before the U.S. Supreme Court. In his 15 terms in Congress, he served as an ever-present voice for people of color and vulnerable communities across this country, playing a role to help found the Congressional Black Caucus in 1971. He was a foundational figure. His leadership was also historic, as he was the first African American Member of Congress ever elected to represent Ohio. Lou's resume in the House included stints as chairman of the select committee that investigated the assassinations of John F.…
