Sheila Jackson Lee: “Thank you very much. I am very privileged tonight to lead the Special Order of the Members of the Congressional Black…”

“Thank you very much. I am very privileged tonight to lead the Special Order of the Members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Let me thank our chairman, Chairman G.K. Butterfield, for continuing this tradition and for his continued leadership, encouragement, and avocation for Members and for the stories of those who have been such leaders in our Nation and such major issues that we have been able to contribute to for the understanding of our colleagues. Let me also make mention of my colleagues, Congresswoman Kelly and Congressman Payne, who have led us on this Special Order for the Congressional Black Caucus. I thank them for their leadership and service. A very special thanks to those of you who are watching at home and have often watched at home and have followed the Congressional Black Caucus through social media, social network, and also know that our major issues of criminal justice reform, civil rights, the restoration of the Voting Rights Act, and many others have been to speak to the vulnerable. Tonight we again speak to you, but we speak of those heroes that we have lost over the last couple of months. Tonight we pay tribute to Amelia Boynton Robinson, Congressman Lou Stokes, and, of course, Julian Bond. Our Nation was built on the values of dealing with the issues of freedom, justice and equality, values and principles that were perfectly embodied by the service and sacrifices of these three leaders. Mr.…”