[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 38 (Wednesday, February 26, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E218]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN HONOR OF MRS. IRENE MORGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 26, 2020

  Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Irene Morgan who 
was among the first warriors on the frontline of the Civil Rights 
Movement. Although her valiant story is unknown to many, I applaud the 
Virginia Department of Historical Resources for issuing a new state 
historical marker for her in Gloucester County in my district.
  Irene's incredible story highlights the social hardships that African 
Americans faced in the U.S. In 1944, while returning home to Baltimore 
on a bus after visiting her mother in Gloucester, the bus driver 
ordered her to relinquish her seat to a white passenger. She refused. 
Consequently, Middlesex County sheriffs arrested her, and the State 
convicted her. It was from this point that Irene took immediate action. 
With the help of the NAACP, her case was heard by the Supreme Court. 
Then, in 1946, defended by Thurgood Marshall and Spottswood W. 
Robinson, III; Irene won her Supreme Court case, Morgan v. Virginia. 
Her case made it unconstitutional to enforce segregation laws on 
interstate carriers. This landmark case set the stage for years of 
civil action against draconian laws that discriminated against our own 
citizens.
  On behalf of Virginia's First District, it is my pleasure to honor 
Irene. All Virginians and those of Virginia's First District, should 
take the opportunity to learn about Irene and her act of courage.
  Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in 
honoring Irene and her family for their contribution to our nation's 
history and the African American Community. I also want to thank the 
Virginia Department of Historical Resources for issuing a new marker 
for her, memorializing her story. On behalf of Virginia's First 
District we say thank you.

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