Beatty Statement on the Passing of U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes

Beatty Statement on the Passing of U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (OH-03) released the follow statement today on the passing of U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes:

"Ohio and America lost a legend today with the passing of U.S. Congressman Louis Stokes, who was 90 years old. I am honored to be the third African-American in Ohio to follow Congressman Stokes in Congress. I can't remember a time in my academic and political career that I didn't call on Congressman Stokes for guidance and I will forever be thankful for his honesty, encouragement and leadership. I join the nation to salute my longtime friend and iconic public servant.

"His life was defined by breaking barriers—the first African-American to represent Ohio in the U.S. Congress and the first African-American to serve on the powerful House Appropriations Committee. During his 30-years in the U.S. Congress (1969-1999), he successfully tackled many difficult challenges including leading the investigations into the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and Martin Luther King, Jr. As a consummate lawyer, public servant, community leader, scholar, and author he laid the groundwork for future leaders of all races and ethnicities to follow. While his guidance, wisdom, and tenacity will be missed—his indelible mark in history will live on."

# # #