Lou Stokes: An Unyielding Force for Justice
Statement from Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) issued the following statement today 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.
His enlightened leadership moved America forward 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.
The 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 efforts 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."
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