Floor SpeechNeutral2025-05-15

HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JAMES D. PETERS, JR.

Foreign PolicyVoting RightsInfrastructureCivil Rights

Context

On 2025-05-15, Representative Diana DeGette (D-CO-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JAMES D. PETERS, JR." in the House.

Full Text

HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JAMES D. PETERS, JR.

Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E432] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JAMES D. PETERS, JR. ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Thursday, May 15, 2025 Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life of Reverend James D. Peters, Jr., a titan of civil rights, a moral leader in Denver's faith community, and a man who dedicated his life to lifting up the voices and needs of the most vulnerable among us. Reverend Peters leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith in action, tireless advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to Justice. Born in an era marked by deep segregation and inequality, Reverend Peters found his calling at the intersection of ministry and the Civil Rights Movement. He marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama, crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 in the fight for voting rights. He was present at the founding meeting of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. But as those closest to him will attest, Reverend Peters did not merely honor history--he made it, lived it, and carried its mission forward in Denver. Reverend Peters moved to Denver in 1978 to serve as the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church--a position he held with distinction for nearly three decades. Through this ministry, he became a spiritual anchor, civil rights leader, and moral conscience for the city. Though he was never a candidate for public office, he helped shape public life in Colorado. He chaired the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and served as a trusted voice within the Colorado Democratic Party, always pushing for a broader, more inclusive vision of Justice. Reverend Peters was truly a man of deep conscience and unwavering resolve. He stood up for what was right--even when it was not popular-- and he never lost the fire that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. He always stood firmly with community leaders demanding justice and systemic reform. His presence gave strength to all Denverites and lent moral clarity to those fighting for change. His advocacy extended far beyond politics and deep into people's lives. Reverend Peters inspired countless elected leaders, including State Senator Rhonda Fields, whom he encouraged to run for office after the tragic loss of her son. On a personal note, Reverend Peters was a friend and confidante of mine for many years, generously sharing his wisdom and advice. Reverend Peters was not only a champion for civil rights, he was also a unifier. As his ministry reached across the racial divides, he reminded us that faith calls us not only to believe, but to act, not only to pray, but to serve, not only to hope, but to build. He loved the Rockies. He loved the Broncos. He loved his friends. And above all, he loved his church and community. Today, Mr. Speaker, we honor the life of Reverend James D. Peters, Jr., a man who walked with history, who shepherded a city, and who never ceased to care for the people of Denver and beyond. May we carry forward his vision of justice, compassion, and unity. ____________________

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HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JAMES D. PETERS, JR. Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 82 (Thursday, May 15, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E432] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF REVEREND JAMES D. PETERS, JR. ______ HON. DIANA DeGETTE of colorado in the house of representatives Thursday, May 15, 2025 Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life of Reverend James D. Peters, Jr., a titan of civil rights, a moral leader in Denver's faith community, and a man who dedicated his life to lifting up the voices and needs of the most vulnerable among us. Reverend Peters leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith in action, tireless advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to Justice. Born in an era marked by deep segregation and inequality, Reverend Peters found his calling at the intersection of ministry and the Civil Rights Movement. He marched alongside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in Selma, Alabama, crossing the Edmund Pettus Bridge in 1965 in the fight for voting rights. He was present at the founding meeting of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. But as those closest to him will attest, Reverend Peters did not merely honor history--he made it, lived it, and carried its mission forward in Denver. Reverend Peters moved to Denver in 1978 to serve as the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church--a position he held with distinction for nearly three decades. Through this ministry, he became a spiritual anchor, civil rights leader, and moral conscience for the city. Though he was never a candidate for public office, he helped shape public life in Colorado. He chaired the Colorado Civil Rights Commission and served as a trusted voice within the Colorado Democratic Party, always pushing for a broader, more inclusive vision of Justice. Reverend Peters was truly a man of deep conscience and unwavering resolve. He stood up for what was right--even when it was not popular-- and he never lost the fire that fueled the Civil Rights Movement. He always stood firmly with community leaders demanding justice and systemic reform. His presence gave strength to all Denverites and lent moral clarity to those fighting for change. His advocacy extended far beyond politics and deep into people's lives. Reverend Peters inspired countless elected leaders, including State Senator Rhonda Fields, whom he encouraged to run for office after the tragic loss of her son. On a personal note, Reverend Peters was a friend and confidante of mine for many years, generously sharing his wisdom and advice. Reverend Peters was not only a champion for civil rights, he was also a unifier. As his ministry reached across the racial divides, he reminded us that faith calls us not only to believe, but to act, not only to pray, but to serve, not only to hope, but to build. He loved the Rockies. He loved the Broncos. He loved his friends. And above all, he loved his church and community. Today, Mr. Speaker, we honor the life of Reverend James D. Peters, Jr., a man who walked with history, who shepherded a city, and who never ceased to care for the people of Denver and beyond. May we carry forward his vision of justice, compassion, and unity. ____________________