Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. | Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Official Website
Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. | Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. Official Website
WASHINGTON – On May 26, 2023, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) joined Congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20) along with Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn and Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) to introduce a resolution expressing support for Black servicemembers this Memorial Day who – throughout America’s history – gave their lives to protect and defend the nation at home and abroad, oftentimes facing bigotry in the Armed Forces or the communities in which they served.
“Though we have made great strides in the past two hundred years, too many Americans are unaware of the conditions in which so many Black Americans served our country – be it enslaved, or in segregated units, or under conditions where bigotry limited their professional development or recognition of valor,” said Congressman Bishop. “This resolution reminds us of the valor and patriotism of Black Americans who fought in America’s armed forces, overcoming both external enemies and domestic prejudices in order to make our country a more perfect union with life, liberty, and justice for all.”
“Black soldiers have fought and given their lives in every American conflict since the Revolutionary War — fighting for democracy at home and abroad, while being treated like second-class citizens on American soil,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick. “This resolution seeks to rectify the gross injustices that these brave Americans experienced serving their nation.”
“Millions of African Americans have answered the call to serve and protect the American people from all threats, both foreign and domestic. In all too many instances, they have had to fight for equal access to benefits and respect upon returning home,” said Assistant Democratic Leader Clyburn. “This resolution, aptly timed for Memorial Day, seeks to provide African American veterans and service members the recognition they are rightfully due.”
“As a US Air Force veteran, I am proud to join Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick and other bill sponsors in honoring Black veterans across our country who have fought to defend our cherished freedoms,” said Congressman Davis. “Our country would not be where it is without Black service members’ sacrifices and selfless service. We must always honor our nation’s heroes.”
Black members have served heroically for over 200 years in every American conflict including the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, World War I, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Persian Gulf War, and the Global War on Terror.
Additional original co-sponsors of the resolution include Reps. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), Hank Johnson Jr. (GA-04), Ted Lieu (CA-36), Eleanor Holmes Norton (DC-AL), André Carson (IN-07), Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12), Sheila Jackson Lee (TX-18), Shontel Brown (OH-11), Barbara Lee (CA-12), Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Mark Takano (CA-39), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Donald Payne Jr. (NJ-10), Katie Porter (CA-47), Al Green (TX-09), Nikema Williams (GA-05), Elissa Slotkin (MI-07), Dwight Evans (PA-03), Frederica Wilson (FL-24), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), Troy Carter (LA-02), Gregory Meeks (NY-05), Steven Horsford (NV-04), Jesús "Chuy" García (IL-04), Derek Kilmer (WA-06), and Jasmine Crockett (TX-30).
Original source can be found here.
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