Congressman Cohen Celebrates Memphis Sites on Civil Rights Trail
Says it is important to honor the past but more important to act on today’s civil rights issues, like voting rights
WASHINGTON – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) applauded Gov. Bill Haslam's announcement Wednesday of the inclusion of three important Civil Rights historic sites in Memphis as part of the newly announced multi-state U.S. Civil Rights Trail, and made the following statement:
"Memphis is rightly proud to have a significant share of the most important historic sites celebrating the Civil Rights legacy of Tennessee and our nation. We have the Clayborn Temple, where Memphis sanitation workers gathered during their historic strike 50 years ago; the Mason Temple, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. gave his final, powerful speech; and the Lorraine Motel, where Dr. King was assassinated a day later. Each sends its own message to our time.
"Black History Month is a good time to memorialize our living history but it's important to realize we're moving through history. In practical terms, that means we need to make voting easier at the state level while Congress needs to revisit and strengthen the Voting Rights Act.
"It's not enough to just honor the past. Our actions today and in the future should build on that legacy with deeds that continue to advance our Civil Rights struggle."
Haslam came to Memphis to announce the multi-state trail and encourage visits to its historic sites. See more about the trail here.