Statements from President Obama and Rev. Al Sharpton
President Obama:
Amelia
Boynton Robinson was a dedicated and courageous leader in the fight for
civil rights. For most of her 104 years, Amelia committed herself to a
simple, American principle:
that everybody deserves the right to vote. Fifty years ago, she marched
in Selma, and the quiet heroism of those marchers helped pave the way
for the landmark Voting Rights Act. But for the rest of her life, she
kept marching – to make sure the law was upheld,
and barriers to the polls torn down. And America is so fortunate she
did. To honor the legacy of an American hero like Amelia Boynton
requires only that we follow her example – that all of us fight to
protect everyone’s right to vote. Earlier this year, in
Selma, Michelle and I had the honor to walk with Amelia and other foot
soldiers of the Civil Rights Movement. She was as strong, as hopeful,
and as indomitable of spirit – as quintessentially American – as I’m
sure she was that day 50 years ago. And we offer
our thoughts, our prayers, and our enduring gratitude to everyone who
loved her.
Rev. Al Sharpton:
“I
am saddened by the passing of Amelia Boynton Robinson, a heroic symbol
of sustained agitation and commitment around voting rights and civil
rights in this country. Had it
not been for her sacrifice--being brutally beaten on the Edmund Pettus
Bridge in Selma and her continued fighting to maintain the Voting Rights
Act--we would not be where we are today.
One
of my greatest moments of pride was walking behind her wheelchair on
the bridge in March next to President Barack Obama on the 50th
Anniversary
of the day that she and Congressman John Lewis were beaten. I am glad
she lived to see a Black President but we must make sure we maintain the
Voting Rights Act and voter protection for all Americans in her
memory.”
Left to right, President
Barack Obama, Reverend Al Sharpton and Amelia Boynton Robinson leading the walk
across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in remembrance of the 50th Anniversary of the
march from Selma to Montgomery, on March 7, 2015.
Sources: The White House Press Office and the National Action Network press office
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