[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21884]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TRIBUTE TO FORMER GOVERNOR LEROY COLLINS

 Mr. CLELAND. Mr. President, amid the violence and uncertainty 
of the Civil Rights movement, many people distinguished themselves 
while fighting for fairness and justice. Men and women risked great 
personal harm and displayed unparalleled courage in a struggle none of 
us must ever forget. Although many of the names of those who fought for 
fairness have been lost to history, it is important to honor these 
selfless warriors of equality.
  Although his name is not as familiar as those of Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr. and James Farmer, Mr. LeRoy Collins, former Governor of 
Florida, played an instrumental role in preventing violence and 
ensuring the success of demonstrations one fateful Spring day in Selma, 
AL, 35 years ago. As marchers arrived at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 
Selma, they hoped against hope that a repeat of ``Bloody Sunday'' was 
not waiting for them.
  President Lyndon Johnson, having witnessed the unconscionable 
violence initiated by Alabama State troopers on March 7, 1965, sought 
to stave off another potentially bloody day, and entrusted LeRoy 
Collins with the delicate task of easing the extremely tense situation.
  Over the course of the day, Mr. Collins crisscrossed the Pettus 
Bridge, negotiating at either end with Dr. King and representatives of 
the Alabama police. After a tireless effort, Mr. Collins eventually 
secured an agreement that not only allowed the marchers to cross the 
bridge, but also prevented the violent clash so many people had feared. 
Later that day, with Alabama State troopers and the entire Nation 
looking on, 2,000 people led by Dr. King peacefully marched across the 
Edmund Pettus Bridge.
  In an era known for its heated violence, peaceful encounters were a 
welcome surprise. The nonviolent nature of the second march across the 
Pettus Bridge was in no small measure a result of LeRoy Collins 
diligence and courage. One can imagine that had a deal not been 
brokered, an encounter, possibly more violent than the one on ``Bloody 
Sunday,'' could very easily have taken place.
  LeRoy Collins' work illustrates why it is important to go beyond the 
stories printed in the history books. His hard work and selfless effort 
saved lives and empowered the movement led by Dr. Martin Luther King, 
Jr. In a world seemingly devoid of real heroes, it is important to 
honor those who have made truly significant contributions to our 
Nation. It took a great man to accomplish what Mr. Collins did. As Dr. 
King once wrote, ``Human progress never rolls on wheels of 
inevitability; it comes through the tireless efforts of men willing to 
be co-workers with God.''

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