[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 45 (Friday, March 10, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E575]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


       IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE REVEREND RALPH DAVID ABERNATHY, JR.

                                 ______


                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 10, 1995
  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, just a few days ago, many of us in 
the House came together on the House floor to celebrate the 30th 
anniversary of the Voting Rights Campaign of 1965. Last week, I 
traveled to Selma, AL, along with several of my colleagues from the 
Congressional Black Caucus and thousands of others, in commemoration of 
the historic march from Selma to Montgomery, a turning point in the 
campaign for voting rights.
  Today, I would like to take a moment to pay special tribute to one of 
the soldiers and leaders of the civil rights movement, someone who was 
with us on the 54-mile march from Selma to Montgomery, the Reverend 
Ralph David Abernathy, Jr. As many of us who participated in the 
movement join together to celebrate the achievements of the past and to 
remember those who marched alongside us many years ago, I believe this 
is a very fitting time to recognize the Reverend Abernathy. It is also 
Dr. Abernathy's birthday tomorrow. Dr. Abernathy was born in Marengo 
County, AL on March 11, 1926. He passed away, too young, 5 years ago. 
Tomorrow, he would have been 69.
  The Reverend Ralph David Abernathy, Jr. had a lifelong commitment to 
securing and protecting basic civil rights for all Americans. He was a 
leader in the civil rights movement, a close friend of the Reverend 
Martin Luther King, Jr. I marched with him many times. After the 
assassination of Dr. King in 1968, Dr. Abernathy assumed leadership of 
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and worked with 
dedication and perseverance to carry on Dr. King's dream. After Dr. 
King's death, Dr. Abernathy continued to organize and lead marches and 
other events, including the Poor People's Campaign, a massive 
demonstration to protest unemployment, held in Washington, DC.
  I believe we should take a moment to remember the people who brought 
us here today, to remember some of the sacrifices and the contributions 
of the many people who participated in the civil rights movement. 
Thousands of people participated. Some had small roles, others large 
roles. The Reverend Ralph David Abernathy had many roles, often at the 
same time. He was a teacher, a leader, an organizer, a soldier, and a 
friend. Today, we remember his spirit, his good humor and his guidance. 
One day before the date of his birth, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
celebrating his legacy and his life.


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