Floor SpeechCeremonial2024-12-18

HONORING MRS. CLEOPATRIA PRYOR

TaxesCrime & JusticeCivil Rights

Context

On 2024-12-18, Representative André Carson (D-IN-7) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MRS. CLEOPATRIA PRYOR" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered crime and justice, civil rights.

Full Text

HONORING MRS. CLEOPATRIA PRYOR

Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1301] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MRS. CLEOPATRIA PRYOR ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Cleopatria Pryor, in celebration of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Pryor, known as Opatria to her friends, has been an unwavering advocate for justice, equality, and civil rights, dedicating herself to ensuring a brighter future for generations of African Americans in her community. As we commemorate a century of life, we recognize her invaluable contributions to the civil rights movement and her lifelong commitment to service. Born on December 29, 1924, in Lafayette County, Mississippi, Mrs. Pryor grew up witnessing firsthand the harsh realities of systemic racism, which sparked her determination to fight for change. As a young mother of 11, she acted to secure bus service for Black children in Marshall County, strengthening equal access to education. Her advocacy didn't stop there. In 1966, she played a pivotal role in integrating Holly High School, where her children became two of the first Black students to attend. Mrs. Pryor also led efforts to increase voter registration in Marshall County, traveling door-to-door to ensure African Americans could exercise their right to vote. Her work was instrumental in the elections of Osborne Bell and Lawrence Autry who served as the first African American sheriff and school superintendent in the county. Mrs. Pryor was a lifelong homemaker known for her gardening and cooking just as well as for instilling in her children the values of justice and service she held dear. Her legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy continues to inspire generations, especially through her encouragement for others to engage in their communities and exercise their rights. Today, we celebrate Mrs. Opatria Pryor not only for the profound impact she has made in her community but also for the countless lives she has touched with her compassion, leadership, and dedication to justice. She is a true pioneer, and her contributions will continue to inspire generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mrs. Opatria Pryor as she celebrates her 100th birthday. We are grateful for her tireless commitment to making the world a better place for all. ____________________

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HONORING MRS. CLEOPATRIA PRYOR Congressional Record, Volume 170 Issue 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024) [Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 188 (Wednesday, December 18, 2024)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E1301] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MRS. CLEOPATRIA PRYOR ______ HON. ANDRE CARSON of indiana in the house of representatives Wednesday, December 18, 2024 Mr. CARSON. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor an extraordinary woman, Mrs. Cleopatria Pryor, in celebration of her 100th birthday. Mrs. Pryor, known as Opatria to her friends, has been an unwavering advocate for justice, equality, and civil rights, dedicating herself to ensuring a brighter future for generations of African Americans in her community. As we commemorate a century of life, we recognize her invaluable contributions to the civil rights movement and her lifelong commitment to service. Born on December 29, 1924, in Lafayette County, Mississippi, Mrs. Pryor grew up witnessing firsthand the harsh realities of systemic racism, which sparked her determination to fight for change. As a young mother of 11, she acted to secure bus service for Black children in Marshall County, strengthening equal access to education. Her advocacy didn't stop there. In 1966, she played a pivotal role in integrating Holly High School, where her children became two of the first Black students to attend. Mrs. Pryor also led efforts to increase voter registration in Marshall County, traveling door-to-door to ensure African Americans could exercise their right to vote. Her work was instrumental in the elections of Osborne Bell and Lawrence Autry who served as the first African American sheriff and school superintendent in the county. Mrs. Pryor was a lifelong homemaker known for her gardening and cooking just as well as for instilling in her children the values of justice and service she held dear. Her legacy of courage, resilience, and advocacy continues to inspire generations, especially through her encouragement for others to engage in their communities and exercise their rights. Today, we celebrate Mrs. Opatria Pryor not only for the profound impact she has made in her community but also for the countless lives she has touched with her compassion, leadership, and dedication to justice. She is a true pioneer, and her contributions will continue to inspire generations to come. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the life and legacy of Mrs. Opatria Pryor as she celebrates her 100th birthday. We are grateful for her tireless commitment to making the world a better place for all. ____________________