Political Quotes

“I rise today to recognize the exceptional career and life of Rev. Joseph Ellwanger. Reverend Ellwanger is a pillar of the Milwaukee community and has left an indelible mark on the lives of so many. From his early career as a pastor in Alabama standing with civil rights leaders, to his ongoing work to reintegrate formerly incarcerated people into their home communities, Rev. Joseph Ellwanger has put into action his faith to affirm all people. Reverend Ellwanger was born in St Louis, MO, but grew up in Selma, AL. He left his childhood home when St. Paul Lutheran Church, an African-American congregation in Birmingham, requested a pastoral candidate. During his time with St. Paul's he joined the Southern Christian Leadership Conference's fight for civil rights. Reverend Ellwanger attended civil rights meetings and eventually received an invitation to meet with the SCLC's steering committee, where he met Dr. Martin Luther King. Reverend Ellwanger was the lone White pastor to join the movement, and he stood undeterred by challenges from his conservative denomination. He recruited both students and clergy to join with him in the civil rights movement. On March 6, 1965, the day before Bloody Sunday, Ellwanger led a group of 72 White Alabamians to Selma to participate in the Concerned White Citizens march supporting voting rights for African-Americans.…”