[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 167 (Thursday, November 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1726]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE OF REV. THEODORE JUDSON ``T.J.'' JEMISON

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 21, 2013

  Mr. RICHMOND. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a 
special man, Rev. Theodore Judson ``T.J.'' Jemison, a long-time 
community leader and civil rights icon. Rev. Jemison dedicated his life 
to making the world a better place and, although we are saddened by his 
passing, the legacy that he leaves behind stands as a testament to his 
incredible life.
   Born in Selma, Alabama, Rev. Jemison became pastor of Mount Zion 
First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1949. He would remain 
there for the next 54 years. From early in his time as pastor, he was 
on the forefront of the civil rights movement. In 1953, Rev. Jemison 
helped organize and lead a boycott of the segregated buses in Baton 
Rouge. That action served as a blueprint for Rev. Martin Luther King, 
Jr. when he led the boycott of buses in Montgomery two years later.
   While the Montgomery bus boycott was an important chapter in 
American history, Rev. Jemison's role in the civil rights movement in 
Baton Rouge didn't end there. He also played an important part in a 
wide range of other victories for equal rights, including getting black 
Baton Rouge residents hired at department stores, black deputies hired 
at the Sheriff's Office, and even helping bring down the barrier to 
black college football players playing on formerly all-white teams. He 
would continue his tireless advocacy for equality for the rest of his 
life.
   Rev. Jemison's dedication to righting wrongs in society was matched 
by his devotion to healing and helping his community. Those twin 
passions drove him to make life better for people everywhere. The work 
that Rev. Jemison did made the world a better place. Without the 
opportunities created through the effort of men and women like him, I 
would not be here today. So, if I can see any further, it is only 
because I stand on the shoulders of giants like Rev. T.J. Jemison.
   I want to join his family, congregation, and the state of Louisiana 
in honoring the life and legacy of a special man.

                          ____________________