[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 23 (Thursday, February 27, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE LATE REVEREND RALPH DAVID ABERNATHY, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 1997

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am once again pleased and 
honored to introduce legislation honoring the Reverend Ralph David 
Abernathy, Jr., leader of the National Poor People's Campaign of 1968. 
My legislation would authorize the construction of a memorial on the 
National Mall in honor of the Reverend Abernathy and the thousands of 
individuals who participated in the Poor People's Campaign.
  During the 1960's, I was honored to be a part of the civil rights 
movement--a movement that changed the face of our Nation. People from 
throughout our Nation--old and young, black and white, rich and poor--
joined the nonviolent revolution that made our country a better, 
fairer, more just Nation. During this time, I was fortunate to get to 
know Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and his partner in the movement--Dr. 
Abernathy.
  Dr. Abernathy was an inspiring and committed leader from the earliest 
days of the movement. When Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to 
stand in the back of the bus while there were empty seats in the white 
section of the bus, she inspired the Montgomery bus boycott. As 
ministers of the two leading black churches in Montgomery, AL, Dr. King 
and Dr. Abernathy worked together to organize and sustain that boycott. 
Thus began the strong bonds of friendship and commitment that would 
last as long as the two men lived.
  Dr. Abernathy had a lifelong commitment to securing and protecting 
basic civil rights for all Americans. I marched with him many times 
throughout the South, including Selma and Montgomery. After the 
assassination of Dr. King in 1968, Dr. Abernathy assumed leadership of 
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and worked to carry on 
the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 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 rising unemployment, held in Washington, DC.
  The Reverend Abernathy passed away 7 years ago. Today, I am 
introducing a resolution authorizing the construction of a memorial to 
the Reverend Abernathy and the Poor People's Campaign on the National 
Mall. I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting this effort. The 
monument will celebrate the achievements of the past, commemorate those 
who marched alongside us many years ago, and pay special tribute to the 
sacrifices and the contributions of Dr. Abernathy and others who 
participated in the Poor People's Campaign. 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. Many were 
inspired by his spirit, his good humor, and his guidance. Today, I 
invite my colleagues to join me in celebrating his legacy and his life.

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