Pelosi Honors Heroes of Briggs v. Elliott Desegregation Case at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

Pelosi Honors Heroes of Briggs v. Elliott Desegration Case at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony

Wednesday, September 08, 2004

Washington, D.C.-House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke today at a ceremony in the Capitol to award the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously to Harry and Eliza Briggs, Reverend Joseph DeLaine, and Levi Pearson for their critical role in the Briggs v. Elliott desegregation case, a precursor to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education. The awards were received on their behalf by family members. Below are Pelosi's remarks:

"Mr. Speaker. Distinguished Leaders of the Senate and House. Mr. Secretary.

"Honored guests, especially the families of the heroes we honor today.

"I want to begin by paying special tribute to Senator Hollings and Representative Clyburn for making this day possible. Senator Hollings is retiring this year after a distinguished career in the Senate, and we will miss him greatly.

"Representative Clyburn serves as the Vice-Chair of the Democratic Caucus, and his opinion has been sought by all corners of the Caucus since he was elected to the House. Jim is a student of history, devoted to teaching young people about our past so that we might all share in a brighter future. It was in that spirit that he fought so passionately for these Congressional Gold Medals for the heroes of Briggs v. Elliott.

"It is said that 'Freedom is not free.' The liberties that we cherish as Americans were not handed to us by history. They were earned by the bravery and sacrifice of courageous souls willing to risk all so that others might live free.

"By Congress bestowing these Congressional Gold Medals today, America pays tribute to four ordinary citizens who paid an extraordinary price for freedom: a preacher named Joseph A. DeLaine; a gas station attendant and a maid named Harry and Eliza Briggs; and a farmer named Levi Pearson.

"For daring to demand 'Simple Justice,' these Americans and their families lost their jobs, their homes, and nearly their lives.

"To the children and families of these heroes, know that America shares the pride and love you have for your parents. And their challenge to our country echoes through you to us all.

"Ferdinand Pearson, who joins us here today, was one of the children who endured those long walks to school - in the searing heat and bitter cold - because "separate but equal" was separate and evil.

"Speaking of his father, Ferdinand Pearson has said, 'My Dad believed in progress. He believed in standing up for what he thought was right. That rubbed off on me.'

"Indeed it did. A decade after Briggs v. Elliott, Ferdinand carried on his father's mission by helping to integrate the local movie theater. Then, Ferdinand's children - his daughter Alfreda and son Jerome - helped to integrate the local high school.

"We can pay the heroes of Briggs v. Elliott no higher tribute than to carry on their noble work. Equal education for all remains the unfinished business of our nation.

"The courageous Americans we honor today paid a heavy price for standing up for what they knew was right.

"When they spoke up, they did more than ask for a bus for their children. They challenged the conscience of our nation, and they brought us closer to the ideal of equality that is both our heritage and our hope. They are truly deserving of these Congressional Gold Medals.

"God bless these American heroes. And God bless America."