Nick Lampson: “I rise in great sadness to honor my friend, Reverend Ransom Howard, the pastor for almost 4 rac{1}{2} decades of First…”

“I rise in great sadness to honor my friend, Reverend Ransom Howard, the pastor for almost 4 rac{1}{2} decades of First Sixth Street Baptist Church in Port Arthur, Texas. Reverend Ransom Howard died on Thursday, May 29. Reverend Howard was a remarkable man who was committed to his community, to his country, and, above all, to his family. Reverend Howard was a long-time civic and community leader. He was always a man who believed in equality and justice. He fought hard for civil rights when it was not an easy thing to do, although it is never an easy thing to do. His impact on the community could be felt everywhere, but you could certainly say he was a positive force for all of southeast Texas. Rev, as we called him, was instrumental in the integration of the Port Arthur public schools and city businesses. He served as youth director for the YMCA, was a past president of the NAACP, and president of the Concerned Citizens of the Port Arthur Association. He was of the utmost character, and his attributes of selflessness and commitment to others are rare gifts that this Nation was lucky to have.”