Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5384 to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 100 Crosby Street in Mansfield, Louisiana, as the Dr. C.O. Simpkins, Sr., Post Office. Dr. Simpkins joined the U.S. Air Force after school, attaining the rank of captain before being honorably discharged. Following his military service, he returned to Shreveport and opened a dental practice. He became involved in the civil rights movement, serving with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Unfortunately, his involvement drew the attention of racist organizations, such as the Ku Klux Klan, tragically resulting in his home and office being firebombed. Fearing for his safety, Dr. Simpkins moved to New York, where he continued to be an advocate for civil rights. After living in New York for 26 years, Dr. Simpkins returned to Shreveport, reopened his dental practice, and pursued a career in politics. He won a seat in the Louisiana State House of Representatives, where he served for one term before returning to his dental practice full time. He continued working at his dental practice until retiring in 2011. He passed away on December 4, 2019, at the age of 94. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.”