[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H306]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING CONGRESSMAN LOUIS STOKES

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Ohio (Ms. Brown) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. BROWN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life 
and legacy of Congressman Louis Stokes as we approach what would have 
been his 100th birthday.
  Born on February 23, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, Louis Stokes rose from 
humble beginnings to become a giant in the fight for civil rights and a 
champion for the underserved. Along with his brother, Cleveland Mayor 
Carl Stokes, he made history and made a difference for northeast Ohio.
  His story is one of perseverance, service, and an unshakable belief 
in the promise of this Nation. A veteran of the United States Army and 
an attorney who argued landmark cases before the Supreme Court and a 
lifelong voice for the voiceless, Congressman Stokes' path was paved 
with courage and conviction, diligence, and determination, and a deep 
and abiding commitment to justice.
  In 1968, he became the first Black Representative for Ohio, bringing 
much-needed representation to this Chamber. During his 15 terms in the 
House, Congressman Stokes advocated for the poor, fought for civil 
rights, and supported our servicemembers and ensured that communities, 
like my district in Cleveland, received the resources and 
representation they deserve.

  As 1 of 13 founding members of the Congressional Black Caucus, he 
helped advance civil and human rights and promote economic empowerment. 
Today, the CBC has grown to a historic 62 members because of the work 
of Louis Stokes, Shirley Chisholm, and their generation.
  His legacy lives on through the laws he championed and the 
institutions that bear his name, from the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA 
Medical Center and the Louis Stokes Health Sciences Library at Howard 
University, to the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation in 
STEM.
  Yet, what resonates most with me, and with so many in our district, 
is his humanity. He never forgot where he came from, nor did he ever 
lose sight of who he served.
  Throughout his life, he carried with him a deep sense of purpose and 
a steadfast belief in the power of government to do good.
  I am humbled to serve in the district, Ohio's 11th Congressional 
District, that Congressman Stokes called home.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope to honor his legacy by striving to be worthy of 
the standard he set. As we reflect on his life, let us commit ourselves 
to the ideals he held dear and the people he so passionately served.
  Mr. Speaker, on his centennial, I thank Congressman Stokes. His life 
and contributions were a gift to our district, our State, and our 
Nation.


                     Honoring the Six Triple Eight

  Ms. BROWN. Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month and throughout the 
year, it is important that we honor the legacies of those that came 
before us.
  Today, I rise to reflect on a remarkable story that hits close to 
home. I recently learned that a late resident of northeast Ohio, Alma 
Gladys Minter, served as a tech sergeant in the 6888th Central Postal 
Directory Battalion.
  Ms. Minter was part of a legacy that demonstrated the strength, 
resilience, and determination of African-American women. The Six Triple 
Eight was the first and only all-Black Women's Army Corps unit to serve 
overseas during World War II.
  In February 1945, nearly 850 women were assigned to a vital task: 
ensuring letters continued to flow between soldiers on the front lines 
and their families back home. Their assignment was daunting, clearing a 
backlog of over 17 million pieces of mail in Europe.
  In less than 90 days, they completed this Herculean task in half the 
time expected by the Army. The women of the Six Triple Eight endured 
freezing warehouses, relentless schedules, and the twin enemies of 
racism and sexism. Their motto was: ``No mail, low morale,'' which 
speaks to the importance of their work.
  However, in a stark injustice, their hard work was not formally 
recognized after the war. They didn't join in the victory day parade, 
and their story was not told in mainstream accounts.
  However, Ms. Minter's family in Ohio knew her story, as did the 
families of the communities that were home to the Six Triple Eight 
veterans in the decades that followed.

                              {time}  1030

  Mr. Speaker, I was deeply honored to vote for legislation awarding 
the Six Triple Eight the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian 
honor bestowed by this body. It was a long overdue recognition for 
their extraordinary contributions.
  The Six Triple Eight Gold Medal has been minted. In the months to 
come, it will be formally presented, forever serving as a reminder of 
the heroes like Ms. Minter who stepped up when our country needed them 
most.
  The story of Ms. Minter and the Six Triple Eight is one of service, 
resilience, and the pursuit of justice. Their story is part of not just 
Black history but American history. To Ms. Minter and all the women of 
the Six Triple Eight, we say a long overdue thank you. Their service 
will not be forgotten, and their legacy will continue to shine brightly 
for generations to come.

                          ____________________