[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 7]
[Senate]
[Page 9570]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    REMEMBERING DR. VINCENT HARDING

 Mr. UDALL of Colorado, Madam President, I wish to commemorate 
the life of Dr. Vincent Harding, a prominent civil rights leader, 
beloved professor and proud Coloradan, who passed away on May 19, 2014. 
Although Dr. Harding is no longer with us, his presence lives on 
through the lasting influence of his life's work. Thanks to Dr. Harding 
and the countless others who took part in the civil rights movement, we 
have made great strides in the pursuit of equality for all through 
landmark legislation and advocacy. His passing also reminds us of the 
ongoing struggle for equal rights in America and moves us to continue 
this fight in his honor.
  A devout believer in the power of social activism, Dr. Harding moved 
from Harlem, NY to Georgia in the early 1960s to join the American 
civil rights movement. He traveled the South to assist with anti-
segregation campaigns, and he and his wife, Rosemarie Freeney Harding, 
founded the Mennonite House, an interracial service center and 
gathering place for individuals active in the movement. Through this 
work, Dr. Harding met friend and co-activist, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther 
King, Jr., for whom he became an aide and speechwriter. Following Dr. 
King's death, Dr. Harding went on to serve as the first director of the 
Martin Luther King, Jr. Center.
  In addition to his life-long commitment to promoting and protecting 
civil rights through writings and advocacy, Dr. Harding served as a 
beloved professor to thousands of students at universities around the 
country, including spending over three decades with the Iliff School of 
Theology in Denver, CO. It was there that he founded the Veterans of 
Hope Project to document the stories of other social justice leaders 
around the world and inspire future generations of committed activists.
  In commemoration, we recognize the great work and sacrifices of Dr. 
Harding and the many Americans who stand up for what is right every 
day--even when doing so brings its share of risks and challenges. 
Appropriately, this coming July we will proudly celebrate the 50th 
anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964--a victory 
for all Americans and one that would not have been possible without the 
resolve of Dr. Harding, Dr. King and other advocates who devoted their 
lives to ending discrimination. While we continue our fight against 
persistent oppression in America, we can look to the legacy of Dr. 
Harding for inspiration and acknowledge the strength and struggles of 
all those involved in the civil rights movement.
  On behalf of a grateful nation and State, I take this time to express 
my deepest gratitude for Dr. Harding's contributions and my heartfelt 
condolences to all those who were touched by his life.

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