[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 149 (Thursday, October 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            IN RECOGNITION OF REVEREND FRED L. SHUTTLESWORTH

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 6, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
honor the life of an instrumental figure in the Civil Rights Movement, 
Reverend Fred L. Shuttlesworth. Reverend Shuttlesworth passed away at 
the age of 89.
  Born in Montgomery County, Alabama, Reverend Shuttlesworth was no 
stranger to frequent discrimination and violence as he lived out his 
life. Having endured countless beatings, bombings, and arrests, 
Reverend Shuttlesworth would become a leading force in the historic 
fight for equal rights.
  Reverend Shuttlesworth was one of the primary pillars of the iconic 
``Big Three,'' founded conjointly with Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 
and Rev. Ralph D. Abernathy, and others. While Reverend Shuttlesworth 
may not have been as much of a household name as Dr. King, for example, 
his contributions to the Movement were irrefutably just as pivotal to 
its success.
  Reverend Shuttlesworth was a major actor in the formation of the 
Southern Christian Leadership Conference, SCLC, a civil rights 
organization that helped to mobilize thousands of people during rallies 
and protests in the name of equality. He also helped to organize the 
Freedom Rides through his work with the Congress on Racial Equality, 
CORE. Also known for his outspoken and aggressive advocacy, Reverend 
Shuttlesworth worked closely with Dr. King to maintain momentum behind 
the Movement whenever Dr. King's conciliatory approach may have failed. 
Today, his contributions remain clear and his personal sacrifices 
revered.
  Mr. Speaker, I am deeply saddened by this tremendous loss. Reverend 
Shuttlesworth was a well-respected and principled individual who was 
fearless even in the face of insurmountable odds. Reverend 
Shuttlesworth selflessly endured great personal sacrifice so that he 
could perpetuate a movement that went well beyond his own life. For 
that I rise to honor his lasting contributions to this nation.

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