Rep. Johnson honors life, sacrifice of Medgar Evers

To kick off Black History Month, Congressman congratulates U.S. Navy for naming a supply ship after civil rights leader:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Hank Johnson’s (D-GA) H. Res. 1022, a resolution honoring the life and achievements of civil rights hero Medgar W. Evers (1925-1963), passed the House today 426 to 0.

H. Res. 1022 recognizes Evers not only for his pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement but also as a soldier in the Battle of Normandy during World War II. Recently, the U.S. Navy named a Lewis and Clark class dry cargo ship after Mr. Evers in light of his courageous efforts to guarantee equal rights for all Americans.

“Medgar Evers remains an inspiration to us all – humble, yet powerful in intellect and inner strength,” said Johnson. “His courageous efforts led to the desegregation of the University of Mississippi School of Law in 1962 and his eventual martyrdom for the cause. His life’s work was to achieve equality and dignity for all Americans and his pioneering courage was an inspiration to the Movement,” Rep. Johnson said in remarks urging his colleagues to support the resolution. “I hope you will join me in celebrating his life and commending the U.S. Navy for naming the USNS Medgar Evers in his honor.”

Fifty-seven colleagues cosponsored the resolution, including all 43 members of the Congressional Black Caucus: Rep. John Lewis (D-GA), Rep. David Scott (D-GA), Rep. James Clyburn (D-SC), Rep. John Conyers (D-MI), Rep. Stanford Bishop (D-GA) and Chairwoman Barbara Lee (D-CA). Rep. Jim Marshall (D-GA) also is an original cosponsor of the resolution.

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