Hoyer Statement on Dedication of Rosa Parks Statue

WASHINGTON, DC - House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after the dedication ceremony for the Rosa Parks statue in the U.S. Capitol:

“Today’s dedication of a statue in the U.S. Capitol honoring Rosa Parks reaffirms that America’s democracy belongs to all its people. By refusing to give up her seat on the bus, Rosa Parks signaled that a new era of freedom and equality was on the rise, inspiring millions to open their eyes to injustice in our midst and to take action to strengthen our democracy.

“Since the day she made her bold stand for equality, America has made important strides toward living out the full meaning of our founding principle that we are all created equal. But we still have much work ahead to preserve the victories of the Civil Rights Movement and make our democracy even more inclusive. On the day we celebrate Rosa Parks' legacy, the Voting Rights Act faces a meritless challenge before the Supreme Court, reminding us that we must remain vigilant in the fight for justice and equality.

“The statue we dedicated today will remind all who see it that a single act of defiance, dignified and courageous, was far more powerful than racism, discrimination and disenfranchisement – and that each of us has that same power to confront injustice in our own day. I hope that Congress will honor the legacy of Rosa Parks not only by placing a statue in its halls but by embracing her spirit in its work.”

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