[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 52 (Tuesday, April 26, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E760]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO SISTER MARY ANTONA EBO, CIVIL AND HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST

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                           HON. WM. LACY CLAY

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 26, 2005

  Mr. CLAY. Mr. speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sister Mary 
Antona Ebo, a Missourian who was recently celebrated by the Library of 
Congress in the ``Voices of Civil Rights'' exhibit for her 
inspirational service to our nation. She is one of the ``Sisters of 
Selma,'' a group of Catholic nuns who risked their lives to promote 
civil rights.
  Sister Ebo's role in civil rights history centered around the brutal 
``Bloody Sunday,'' beatings that took place at the Edmond Pettus Bridge 
in Selma, Alabama. On March 7, 1965, law enforcement officials used 
horses, clubs and gas to turn back the voting rights marchers as they 
began their 50 mile march to the state capital at Montgomery. Three 
days later, in response to a request by the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., Sister Ebo went to Selma with a group of religious leaders 
from St. Louis. There she spoke out against the violence and urged 
minorities in Alabama to pursue their right to vote. In recalling her 
role in the historic events in Alabama, Sister Ebo said recently that 
she saw her actions as a call from God to make a difference.
  After the civil rights marches ended, Sister Ebo continued her life 
of service to others. In 1967, she became the first African American 
woman religious professional to head a hospital. She was named 
administrator of St. Clare Hospital and Health Services in Baraboo, 
Wisconsin. Today she is a treasured member of the St. Louis community 
where she serves as pastoral associate at St. Nicholas Catholic Church.
  Recently, Sister Ebo recalled her days in the civil rights movement. 
She told a newspaper reporter: ``We did that then, in responding to the 
need of the moment, but there are still needs that need to be addressed 
by us as women religious. We need to be speaking out, speaking up and 
saying 'No, we will not participate in those kinds of activities, which 
oppress a part of our people, whether black, white or polka-dot. ' ``
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Sister Mary 
Antona Ebo before the U.S. House of Representatives for her many 
lifetime achievements. She has been a source of spirit and strength for 
countless Americans. She is among my heroes and I am proud to salute 
her for her many lasting contributions to our community and to this 
nation.

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