[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1156]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE LIFE OF REV. BEN COX, SR., ORIGINAL FREEDOM RIDER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2011

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the life of a trailblazer and humanitarian, Reverend Ben Elton Cox, Sr. 
Reverend Cox's life mission was to fight for the equal rights of blacks 
in southern states where Jim Crow laws and intimidation tactics 
hindered and denied blacks the right to beaches, hotels, schools, 
restaurants, and jobs that whites enjoyed. Though confronted with 
hatred, violence and blatant racial discrimination, Reverend Cox's 
courageous acts and unyielding belief in equality for all people 
subsequently effected change across this country.
  Reverend Cox was a fervent community activist and devoted NAACP 
member. He was not only a leader of the Freedom Rides in Little Rock, 
but was one of the original 13 Riders on the first Congress of Racial 
Equality Freedom Ride in 1961. His role during the movement helped 
amplify the voice of oppressed blacks in the south and shape future 
civil rights policy in the United States that would advance the rights 
and freedoms of African Americans.
  Family, friends, and freedom riders described Reverend Cox as one of 
the young Americans who repeatedly exhibited courage and bravery in the 
cause of Civil Rights. Ben Cox and 12 others faced violent opposition 
and discord from Klansmen and angry mobs during the Freedom Rides 
traveling throughout the south. In his own words, Reverend Cox said 
he'd been in 37 states for civil rights and in jail 17 times and that 
his life had been threatened 87 times in writing. Sacrificing their 
safety and endangering the lives of their families--harassed, jailed 
and brutally beaten by their detractors, Reverend Cox and the Freedom 
Riders were on the ``front line'' of a civil war and remained steadfast 
in the fight against racism, discrimination and inequality in the 
segregated south and around the country. Ben Cox embodied courage and 
was a champion of the struggle for human rights.
  Again, I ask that my colleagues please join me in saluting the life 
and legacy of Civil Rights leader and Freedom Rider Rev. Benjamin 
``Elton'' Cox, Sr.

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