[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ``MEMPHIS 13''

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. STEVE COHEN

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                         Wednesday, May 7, 2014

  Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 13 individuals who 
broke the barrier of segregation in the Memphis City Schools on October 
3, 1961. Formally known as the ``Memphis 13,'' these trailblazers of 
integration were the first African-American students to be enrolled in 
the all-white Memphis City Schools system at a time when institutional 
desegregation was widely criticized. The challenges and accomplishments 
of these courageous Memphians have been recognized across the country 
thanks to the work of University of Memphis Law Professor Daniel Kiel 
in his 2011 documentary, ``The Memphis 13.''
   Almost 53 years ago, 13 first-grade students bravely entered the 
doors of Bruce, Gordon, Rozelle and Springdale Elementary Schools. 
These students, Sheila Malone Conway, E.C. Freeman Fentress, Alvin 
Freeman, Deborah Holt, Dwania Kyles, Sharon Malone, Pamela Mayes, 
Jacqueline Moore, Joyce Bell White, Leandrew Wiggins, Clarence 
Williams, Harry Williams and Michael Willis (Menelik Fombi), were some 
of America's bravest civil rights' activists, even at such young ages. 
At a time when the nation was witnessing widespread segregation and 
animosity towards African-Americans who desired equal opportunities, 
these young civil rights leaders and their families made a choice to 
take a step towards equality for all.
   Before the momentous actions of the ``Memphis 13,'' Memphis City 
Schools had never before afforded African-American students the 
opportunity to receive a fair and full education. This pioneering 
instance of school integration went forth with little public discussion 
or advanced news attention. Because of the heartfelt work of Professor 
Daniel Kiel and his documentary, the stories of these children, who 
dared to receive an equal education in a desegregated school system, 
are now being heard by communities throughout the country.
   As a strong believer in the importance of education, I cannot thank 
enough the ``Memphis 13'' for blazing the trail for other African-
American students to receive the education they deserve and Daniel Kiel 
for telling their story. The selfless actions by the ``Memphis 13'' 
paved a way for students to receive an equal education in Memphis and 
across the nation. The difference that these legends made will always 
be remembered and celebrated by the city of Memphis. I ask all of my 
colleagues to join me in honoring the ``Memphis 13.''

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