CELEBRATING 901 DAY

On 2026-09-01, Representative Steve Cohen (D-TN-9) delivered a floor speech titled "CELEBRATING 901 DAY" in the House.

CELEBRATING 901 DAY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 138 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 138 (Tuesday, September 1, 2026)] [House] [Page H5411] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING 901 DAY (Mr. COHEN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) Mr. COHEN. Today, we celebrate 901 Day--a day to celebrate Memphis, Tennessee, and the people who make the city the great city that it is. Mr. Speaker, 901 is more than an area code. It represents people who have never been afraid to stand up and demand better. In 1968, AFSCME sanitation workers in Memphis marched for dignity, fair wages, and the basic right to be treated with respect. Dr. King came to Memphis to stand with those workers and tragically lost his life at that time. This history reminds us that progress has never simply been given to Memphis. We have fought for it. Now with the gerrymandered redistricting effort that took away the votes of Black voters and the large-scale ICE raid that was carried out this past weekend, we must fight harder. Yes, today we celebrate the history, music, culture, and barbecue; but, most importantly, we celebrate the people, the generation of Memphians who refused to accept that things had to stay the way they were. We carry that spirit forward. Happy 901 Day, Memphis. ____________________