Congressman Cohen Commemorates 57th Anniversary of Historic 1963 March on Washington

Statement

To commemorate the 57th anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) made the following statement:

"Each year, we remember and celebrate the soaring oratory of Dr. King's "I Have a Dream' from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial. This year, we pay another tribute to the youngest speaker that day 57 years ago, my friend and Congressional colleague John Lewis. He left us last month with our final marching orders: "Answer the highest calling of your heart and stand up for what you truly believe.' As our country tries to reckon with its history of slavery, Jim Crow and the unmet ideals of the Civil Rights Movement and the Great Society, let's stand in solidarity with the peaceful demonstrators nationwide now reminding us that Black Lives Matter. Let's remember George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tamir Rice, Philando Castile, Sandra Bland, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Steven Askew, Darrius Stewart and, in hopes he will recover, yet another: Jacob Blake. Let's answer that highest calling of our hearts and see justice done.

"I also want to commend the Reverend William J. Barber of the Poor People's Campaign, who will deliver Friday's keynote address, for all that he is trying to accomplish."

Congressman Cohen is the Chairman of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.

Source