[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 215 (Tuesday, December 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





        IN RECOGNITION OF THE HARLAN BIBLE DONATION TO CONGRESS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE JOHNSON

                              of louisiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2021

  Mr. JOHNSON of Louisiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the good work and friendship of the American Judicial Alliance. AJA and 
its founder, Judge Darrell White, have been working tirelessly to 
introduce the tradition of the Harlan Bible by donating these Bibles to 
our nation's courtrooms and institutions, including to this chamber. 
Justice John Marshall Harlan set this precedent by donating his very 
own Bible to the Supreme Court back in 1906, and since then, every 
justice has signed this Bible after taking the oath of office.
  Justice Harlan is probably best known for being the ``Great 
Dissenter'' and specifically for his role as the lone dissenter in 
Plessy v. Ferguson's unjust `separate but equal' precedent. His 
personal transformation made him an impassioned supporter for civil 
rights during his 34 years on the Court.
  It was Justice Harlan who stated: ``Our constitution is color-blind, 
and neither knows nor tolerates classes among citizens. In respect of 
civil rights, all citizens are equal before the law.''
  By donating these Harlan Bibles, AJA is honoring the legacy of 
Justice Harlan's fight for justice, recognizing that our inalienable 
rights come directly from our Creator, and restoring faith in our 
Nation's courtrooms. May God continue to bless the American Judicial 
Alliance as it endeavors to share the Harlan Bible and its important 
message of justice, mercy, and faith to the American people.

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