Administration of Barack Obama, 2014

Statement on the Death of John M. Doar

November 11, 2014

Michelle and I were saddened to hear of the passing of John Doar, one of the bravest American lawyers of his or any era. As the face of the Justice Department in the segregated South, John escorted James Meredith to the University of Mississippi. He walked alongside the Selma-to-Montgomery March. He laid the groundwork for the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. Time and time again, John put his life on the line to make real our country's promise of equal rights for all. Without John's courage and perseverance, Michelle and I might not be where we are today, and our thoughts and prayers are with his children, his grandchildren, and all those who loved and admired him.

NOTE: The statement referred to Robert, Michael, and Burke Doar and Mary Gael, children of Mr. Doar.

Categories: Statements by the President : Deaths :: Doar, John M.

Names: Doar, Burke; Doar, John M.; Doar, Michael; Doar, Robert; Gael, Mary; Meredith, James H.; Obama, Michelle.

Subjects: Civil rights : Civil rights movement; Deaths : Doar, John M.; Elections : Voter participation.

DCPD Number: DCPD201400845.