[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 126 (Thursday, July 16, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     IN MEMORY OF REVEREND GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER RICHARDSON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MARTHA ROBY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 16, 2020

  Mrs. ROBY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy 
of a beloved Alabamian, Reverend George Washington Carver Richardson, 
Jr. Dr. Richardson passed away on Thursday, July 9, 2020. Dr. 
Richardson was deeply devoted to the Lord, a loving husband and father, 
and a strong voice for the community. He will be dearly missed by all.
  Dr. Richardson was born in Geiger, Alabama, to George and Louise 
Richardson. At the early age of four years old, Dr. Richardson began 
preaching. He spent his early years preparing to enter Ministry, and he 
went on to earn his BA Degree, Bachelor of Theology, Masters of 
Divinity, Masters in Religious Education, Doctor of Divinity, Doctor of 
Humane Letters, Existential Degree, and L.C.U. Degree all from various 
institutes.
  Dr. Richardson's faithfulness to spreading the Gospel never wavered 
as he traveled across the United States, preaching to crowds, 
conducting workshops, and leading seminars. He served as Pastor to 
several churches, but he led the Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church 
for almost forty years.
  Not only was Dr. Richardson devoted to the Church, but also to the 
community. He worked towards the betterment of mankind his entire life 
through his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. Dr. Richardson 
served on several Civic Boards and Committees, such as the SCLC, NAACP, 
and Montgomery Improvement Association. He also helped spearhead the 
Selma Movement from beginning to end, participating in marches and 
demonstrations in the area, including Bloody Sunday.
  In 1967, Dr. Richardson moved to Bessemer, Alabama and became the 
first African American to campaign for a major political office, 
running for the Office of Mayor. His campaign paved the way for future 
African American leaders to take leadership positions in the city of 
Bessemer.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of 
Reverend George Washington Carver Richardson, Jr. He will be greatly 
missed by all whom he encountered, and his remarkable legacy will be 
remembered for years to come.

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