Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-04-22

HONORING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOUGALOO NINE

Crime & JusticeCivil Rights

Context

On 2026-04-22, Representative Bennie G. Thompson (D-MS-2) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOUGALOO NINE" in the House. The speech addressed crime and justice and also covered civil rights.

Full Text

HONORING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOUGALOO NINE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E356] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOUGALOO NINE ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and legacy of a group of people whose actions helped move the state of Mississippi closer to justice. They are known as the Tougaloo Nine. On March 27, 1961, nine students from Tougaloo College made a decision that many would have been too afraid to make. They walked into a whites-only Jackson Municipal Library and quietly took their seats to read. They understood the risk. In Mississippi at that time, that simple act could lead to arrest or worse. But they did it anyway, because they believed in something bigger than fear. These students were not acting on impulse. They were disciplined, thoughtful, and committed to nonviolence. They had been guided by leaders like Medgar Evers and others who believed that real change required both courage and strategy. When law enforcement arrived and told them to leave, they refused. They were arrested, jailed, and later convicted. Still, they did not back down. Their actions sent a message that access to knowledge, to public spaces, and to opportunity should not be determined by the color of your skin. For too long, the story of the Tougaloo Nine has not received the recognition it deserves. But their impact is clear. Mr. Speaker, the actions of the Tougaloo Nine helped lay the foundation for progress that would later be reflected in laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I often say that progress comes because people are willing to stand up, speak out, and, in this case, sit down for what is right. The Tougaloo Nine showed us what that looks like. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 65th anniversary of their bravery, their sacrifice, and their lasting contribution to the ongoing fight for equality and justice in this country. ____________________

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HONORING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOUGALOO NINE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 71 (Wednesday, April 22, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E356] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOUGALOO NINE ______ HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON of mississippi in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 22, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the courage and legacy of a group of people whose actions helped move the state of Mississippi closer to justice. They are known as the Tougaloo Nine. On March 27, 1961, nine students from Tougaloo College made a decision that many would have been too afraid to make. They walked into a whites-only Jackson Municipal Library and quietly took their seats to read. They understood the risk. In Mississippi at that time, that simple act could lead to arrest or worse. But they did it anyway, because they believed in something bigger than fear. These students were not acting on impulse. They were disciplined, thoughtful, and committed to nonviolence. They had been guided by leaders like Medgar Evers and others who believed that real change required both courage and strategy. When law enforcement arrived and told them to leave, they refused. They were arrested, jailed, and later convicted. Still, they did not back down. Their actions sent a message that access to knowledge, to public spaces, and to opportunity should not be determined by the color of your skin. For too long, the story of the Tougaloo Nine has not received the recognition it deserves. But their impact is clear. Mr. Speaker, the actions of the Tougaloo Nine helped lay the foundation for progress that would later be reflected in laws like the Civil Rights Act of 1964. I often say that progress comes because people are willing to stand up, speak out, and, in this case, sit down for what is right. The Tougaloo Nine showed us what that looks like. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 65th anniversary of their bravery, their sacrifice, and their lasting contribution to the ongoing fight for equality and justice in this country. ____________________