Congressman Al Green Honors the Memory of Former Congressman William Herbert Gray, III

(Washington, DC)--On July 11, 2013, Congressman Al Green offered the following statement in the Congressional Record of the House of Representatives on the legacy of Former Congressman William Herbert Gray, III:

"Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the memory of a noble public servant and trailblazer, Congressman William Herbert Gray, III. Congressman Gray served in Congress, representing Pennsylvania’s Second Congressional District, with exceptional distinction and preeminence. He eventually became the first African American to be both the Chairman of the House Committee on the Budget and Majority Whip of the House of Representatives.

"As a leader in Congress and proud member of the Congressional Black Caucus, Congressman Gray used his compassion and experience to boldly fight for those considered the least the world over. Congressman Gray’s impassioned fight against Apartheid in South Africa and for assistance to the poor were the hallmarks of his time in the House of Representatives.

"Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate enough to say that I figuratively stand on the shoulders of pioneers like Congressman Gray. I would not be where I am today without the work and sacrifice of individuals like him.  I believe that when history records the legacy of Congressman Gray, it will honor his role as a trailblazer and passionate advocate for the least."