Congresswoman Barbara Lee Joins the Faith & Politics Institute's 13th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 2013
Contact: Carrie Adams (202) 225-2661
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Barbara Lee (D-CA) today announced participation in the 13th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage from March 1 – 3. The pilgrimage of more than 20 Members of Congress, Civil Rights luminaries, and noted scholars and leaders will include events, meetings and tours in Birmingham, Selma and Montgomery, Alabama. Meriam Salem, a junior at Alameda Science and Technology Institute, and sophomores Malcolm Jackson of Encinal High School and Erin McGhee of Unity High School in Oakland will also participate.
This three-day passage through living history demonstrates the powerful role that non-violence and courage have played in shaping our nation's history. These annual pilgrimages have afforded more than 100members of the U.S. House and Senate an experiential journey through the history of the American civil rights movement.
This year marks the 50th Anniversaries of the Desegregation of the University of Alabama, the Birmingham Children’s Crusade, bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, and Letter from Birmingham Jail, three of the most pivotal events of the civil rights movement out of many, and the Pilgrimage will commemorate these anniversaries with its 13th march across Edmund Pettus Bridge.
“I am filled great humility and honor to revisit the historic sites in Alabama that changed the course of history for all Americans,” said Congresswoman Lee. “This annual pilgrimage reminds us all of how far this nation has come and also re-ignites our determination continue the fight end poverty, healthcare disparities, voter suppression efforts and the achievement gap in our education system. I’m especially looking forward to teaching the next generation about non-violence, peaceful protest, and the legacy of civic engagement that we can see here in Alabama.”
“The Faith & Politics Institute will be facilitating the 13th Congressional Civil Rights Pilgrimage where Members of Congress come together, not as Democrats not as Republicans, but as Americans, men and women who believe somehow and some way that we can find a way to create the American Community,” said U.S. Congressman John Lewis (D-GA).
“Described by many participants as one of the most valuable experiences they have had while in Congress, the pilgrimages bring people together across political, religious and racial lines, offering opportunities for engaged and reflective dialogue on the value of the civil rights movement and its meaning for us today,” added FPI President and CEO Liz McCloskey.
Rep. Lewis, who, as a civil rights activist, led the marchers 50 years ago, will serve once again as the Pilgrimage Chairman. Senator Kay Hagan (D-NC), Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA), and Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer (D-MD) will serve as honorary co-leaders and Representative Spencer Bachus (R-AL), Representative Martha Roby (R-AL), and Representative Terri Sewell (D-AL) will serve as honorary co-hosts.
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