President Obama, Attorney General Lynch and Congressional Black Caucus Mourn Death of Civil Rights Matriarch Amelia Boynton Robinson
Civil Rights Activist Amelia Boynton Robinson was 104-years-old
Calling Amelia Boynton Robinson “An American Hero”, President Barack Obama said it requires only that “we follow her example.”
President Barack 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.”
Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch released the following statement today on the passing of civil rights leader Amelia Boynton Robinson:
“With the passing of Amelia Boynton Robinson, America has lost a spirited advocate, a passionate activist and a trailblazing champion in the fight for civil rights and social justice. Driven by her faith and her moral convictions, Ms. Boynton Robinson stood on the front lines of the Civil Rights Movement in Selma and beyond, inspiring countless men, women and children to stand up to injustice, to speak out for equality and to demand their opportunity to shape the future of this nation. Her legacy continues to be felt today – at the Department of Justice and across the country – in the expanded voting rights she helped to win; in the ongoing work of equality she helped to advance; and in the desire for a more just society that will always drive us forward. While Ms. Boynton Robinson’s journey on this earth has come to an end, the principles to which she dedicated her life – and the spirit of determination she brought to her mission – will forever march on. My thoughts and prayers are with her family, her friends and all who loved her.â€
Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman G. K. Butterfield (NC-01) released the following statement:
“Today we mourn the passing of a remarkable citizen, Mrs. Amelia Boynton Robinson, a civil rights activist and one of the leaders of the 1965 Bloody Sunday march of 1965. Often referred to as the matriarch of our country’s Civil Rights Movement, Mrs. Boynton Robinson worked tirelessly on the behalf of those who were discriminated against and disenfranchised, and she stood courageously in the fight to ensure voting rights for every citizen in this nation. Mrs. Boynton Robinson was committed to equality until her death and was a champion for African Americans when our voices were not yet heard. Fifty years ago, Mrs. Boynton Robinson walked bravely across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma to ensure that all African Americans had equal opportunity and the right to vote. Her walk was not in vain, and we remain forever grateful for her contributions and dedicated service to civil rights in America.â€
