[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 116 (Thursday, July 23, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1112-E1113]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO FORMER OHIO CONGRESSMAN LOUIS STOKES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARCIA L. FUDGE

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 23, 2015

  Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to my friend, mentor 
and predecessor, former Congressman Louis Stokes. Earlier this week the 
world learned of his cancer diagnosis.
   When the Congressman first told me about his condition, I didn't 
know quite what to say. He had still been out, attending events and 
doing things. He never stops. It is easy to think he is immortal. 
Because he is a fighter. For more than 30 years, he tirelessly fought 
for the people of Ohio, and he is still fighting today. The first 
African American elected to Congress from Ohio, Congressman Stokes is 
the epitome of a public servant.
   While in Washington, he was a trailblazer. He was the first African 
American to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and 
was a founder of the CBC Health Braintrust. He constantly fought to 
combat pervasive health disparities plaguing the African-American 
community and served as a voice for people of color and all of our 
nation's most vulnerable.
   Congressman Stokes once said, ``I'm going to keep on denouncing the 
inequities of this system, but I'm going to work within it. To go 
outside the system would be to deny myself--to deny my own existence.'' 
His work has affected thousands. There is no one in Washington that 
does not know the name Louis Stokes, and no one who was not touched in 
some way by his work and his kindness.
   He is always a gentleman, someone who made you feel good about being 
represented by him or just being in his company. When he speaks, people 
listen. Congressman Stokes

[[Page E1113]]

exudes leadership, vision, and purpose. He's a giant of a man, an 
example for us all. It is a privilege to work with him and walk in his 
Congressional footsteps.
   Thank you, Congressman Louis Stokes for everything you have done. 
The nation is indebted to you. We are grateful for your service. As you 
continue to battle this diagnosis, my thoughts and prayers are with 
you, your family and your doctors. Let us all continue to uplift and 
encourage the Stokes family.

                          ____________________