BISHOP REMEMBERS LIEUTENANT COMMANDER WESLEY A. BROWN

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement today in remembrance of Lieutenant Commander Wesley Anthony Brown, who passed away on May 22, 2012 and was honored at a memorial service on June 6, 2012:

“Lt. Cmdr. Wesley Brown, the first African American to graduate from the U.S. Naval Academy, was one of the brave pioneers ahead of the push for Civil Rights in the 1960s who helped lay the foundation for justice and equality.

“Upon entering the U.S. Naval Academy in 1945, he knew that the road would be rough not only because of the difficulty of his studies and duties but also because of the color of his skin. But Lt. Cmdr. Brown did not let that stop him. He would be the first to endure until the end the hazing, the torment, and the hostility bred by racial inequality. He would be the first to hold his head high and keep true to himself amid the tension. He would be the first to graduate.”

“Despite this great accomplishment, Lt. Cmdr. Brown has remained humble throughout his life, honoring those in whose footsteps he had followed and speaking words of encouragement to those who followed in his footsteps. As we pay tribute to the life of this strong and courageous man, we have the opportunity to come together to celebrate an illuminating cultural history of overcoming hardship and achieving advancement. It is my hope that we continue to appreciate America’s inclusive cultural diversity and to progress to become a more united and prosperous nation.”