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Lou Stokes: An Unyielding Force for Justice
Statement from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) issued the following
statement last week after receiving news that former
Congressman Louis Stokes of Cleveland passed away late
Tuesday night.
"Our hearts are heavy but immensely grateful for the
path-breaking life and legendary generous service of
Congressman Louis Stokes. As the first African American
Member of Congress elected to serve from Ohio, he wrote
fresh history for America every day of his life. Rising from
the public housing projects of Cleveland, he and his brother
Carl became revered as they built a more inclusive and
representative America. What courage and passion that
required. |
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His enlightened leadership moved America ?orward socially,
economically, and legally. In Congress, his gentlemanly
demeanor and sharp intellect allowed him to chair, again as
the first African American, the Appropriations subcommittee
on Veterans, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent
Agencies. He also chaired the House Select Committee on
Assassinations and served on the House Select Committee to
Investigate Covert Arms Transactions with Iran. His agile
legal mind was evident in the investigations he conducted.
?he people of Cleveland and Ohio have been blessed through
his life and hold abiding gratitude for his extraordinary
life and generous spirit. As Dean of the Ohio delegation, I
served with Congressman Stokes for a quarter century. I hold
lasting memories of his deep love for his wife and family,
his indefatigable and inspired ?fforts to gain respect and
equal justice in the law for all our citizens, his
perseverance in building America's communities forward, his
dedication to meeting our nation's obligations to veterans,
to advance space science, and to catapult Cleveland's health
and human services to the top rung of national assets.
I shall sorely miss his dogged determination, easy smile,
keen and measured counsel, and persevering nature. What a
gifted leader has lived among us. May the angels carry
him to a deserved peaceful rest close to the heart of God. |
