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The Ripon Society recently published a piece written by U.S. Senator Katie Britt, R-Ala., in which she highlights the courageous Alabamians who pioneered our nation’s Civil Rights Movement. In her piece, she reflects on the enduring legacy of the American heroes who shaped our nation and calls on the next generation to follow in their footsteps to forge a stronger America.
This comes ahead of the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, which will be commemorated this coming weekend.
Select excerpts from Senator Britt’s column are below. The full piece is available here.
“Sixty years ago, thousands of Americans marched from Selma to Montgomery, calling for the realization of the fundamental right to vote regardless of race, color, or creed. Though the right of black Americans to participate in our democratic process had been recognized long before, that right existed only in words, not in practice. . .
“The heroes of the Civil Rights Movement confronted the darkest demons of hatred, bigotry, and racism. They were humanity’s better angels and forever changed the course of our state’s and nation’s history. Courageous Alabamians like Rosa Parks and John Lewis truly did bend the moral arc of the universe . . .
“But the Civil Rights Movement is not only Alabama’s history. It is not only American history. It is some of the most significant history of all mankind. Those who spurred the Civil Rights Movement put everything on the line . . . They put themselves in danger for a goal they could not possibly be sure would be reached in their lifetime . . .
“It makes the challenges we face today seem not impossible but inevitable to be overcome. It makes it even less acceptable for us to freeze in fear of facing adversity. If the civil rights marchers could put their lives on the line to fight for one of the most important causes ever to exist, we can do the hard things in front of us — and ultimately, that’s what God calls us to do . . .
“The Civil Rights Movement did not challenge the American idea. Rather, it challenged our people and our system of government to fully embrace the American idea and to more faithfully live up to the standards the revolutionaries who declared our independence set for us so long ago.”
Senator Britt recently joined Senators Tim Scott, R-S.C., Cory Booker, D-N.J., and 38 of their Senate colleagues in a resolution commemorating Black History Month and the important contributions made by black Americans throughout United States history. The resolution passed the Senate by unanimous consent.
Last month, Senator Britt spoke on the Senate floor to honor the Tuskegee Airmen. In her remarks, she highlighted the tremendous legacy of Lieutenant Colonel Harry Stewart, Jr., who recently passed away at the age of 100. “Their courage and selflessness in the face of adversity both at home and at war are inspirational, and their legacies – those of greatness and unquestionable merit – deserve to be celebrated amongst the rest of our country’s heroes. Not just during Black History Month, but all throughout the year,” she stated.
