RELEASE: REP. HILL DELIVERS REMARKS AT DAISY BATES STATUE UNVEILING IN U.S. CAPITOL
WASHINGTON, D.C.,
May 8, 2024
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Rep. French Hill (AR-02) today delivered remarks at Daisy Bates' statue unveiling in the U.S. Capitol. Daisy Bates was an Arkansan and courageous civil rights leader whose statue now stands proudly in the halls of our Capitol. Her resolute image will serve as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who fought tirelessly for equality.
Rep. Hill's remarks as delivered:
Good afternoon and thank you all for joining us here in this historic former House Chamber, now Statuary Hall. It is an honor to be surrounded by so many Arkansans on this historic moment for our state because we are making history today.
Daisy Bates was a remarkable figure who overcame horrible tragedies during her childhood, making her a more resilient woman as she faced the daily humiliation of the blunt trauma of Jim Crow.
She knew instinctively even at a young age that it wasn’t right for those to be treated differently based on the color of their skin, but rather it’s what's up here [pointed to head] and in here [pointed to heart] that matters. In short, like Dr. King called for, “by the content of [one’s] character.”
Amy Polakow, author of “Daisy Bates – Civil Rights Crusader,” encapsulates Daisy’s fight for civil rights so well: “Daisy Bates had worked tirelessly and with great passion for years so that Black children in her town would be given the same educational opportunities as the White children. She risked everything – her job, her friends, her family, even her life – for this day.”
That day did come in September 1957, when all efforts to integrate the schools came full circle as she helped nine African American students become the first to attend the all-white Central High School. Those nine students later became known as the “Little Rock Nine.”
Then just 26-years-old, Bates’ associate and dear friend to many in this room, Annie Abrams, described Daisy’s role: Bates “stood out as one of the few females in a leadership position in the movement for African American rights at the time” and that she “was the person for the moment.”
Daisy risked everything in her life to make a difference in Little Rock and beyond, fighting for what she believed to be right – even when she knew she might lose the battle. She was the true embodiment of courage.
And over the course of our nation’s nearly 250-year history, we have watched Americans step up and lead battles they knew they may not be victorious – including the fight for a “more perfect union” that includes all Americans are treated equal, no matter what the color of their skin.
So I am proud that we are here today and that Daisy Bates is one of those Americans who stepped up - as we are all Arkansans in this room today, we are grateful that she represented all that is good in our state. She stands tall in this room now, Mr. Leader, as she looks across statuary hall into the eyes of Rosa Parks across the way.
Thanks to all of you for coming together today to honor the life and legacy of Daisy Bates.
This statue in the U.S. Capitol will indebtedly etch Daisy’s place in American history and in our pride and at this time. She was the best that we have to offer. Thank you all for being here today.
|
