James Forman, Ph.D. has dedicated over 50 years of his life to civil rights, voter rights and human rights causes. Forman will be honored for his lifelong humanitarian work at a 12:00 p.m. tribute luncheon on November 13, 2004. The luncheon will be held at the First Baptist Church, 712 Randolph Street, NW, Washington, DC.
WHEREAS:
James Forman's steadfast service to mankind has significantly helped to frame history. He crusaded nationally and internationally for desegregation, equal employment, equal education, affirmative action and de-colonization. He organized housing, feeding, tutoring and employment programs for poor people, farmers, sharecroppers and the illiterate. He also helped to organize the Albany Movement (a non-violent bus desegregation campaign) and the Mississippi Freedom Project (a voter registration and education campaign). As a result of both initiatives, thousands of African-American voters were registered and over 80 Freedom Schools were established.
WHEREAS:
James Forman was a principle organizer of the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His involvement in the civil rights movement significantly contributed to the landmark Civil Rights Act of 1964, (the cornerstone of the effort to end discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, national origin, religion, and sex). He lead numerous peaceful protests, marches, demonstrations, rallies, sit-ins, freedom rides and voter registration drives.
He suffered harassment, death threats, physical violence, jailings, police dog attacks, high-power water hosings and nightstick beatings. Backlash was a routine consequence of peaceful methods employed to gain equal services from segregated facilities throughout the South.
WHEREAS:
The selfless sacrifices of James Forman contributed, in part, to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Forman, a mid-westerner, repeatedly risked his life fighting for equal voting rights for Blacks and minorities. Intimidation, assaults and economic reprisals were commonplace when Blacks tried to register to vote in the Deep South. The passage of the Voting Rights Act enabled Blacks, [and others], to have a voice in local, state, and national politics. Here in the District of Columbia, Forman was one of the original champions of the Free DC/Statehood Now Movement and is still an advocate.
THEREFORE:
I declare November 13, 2004, James Forman Day.
Signed by my hand this _______ day of __________________, 2004.
Copyright © 2004
Last Modified: October 18, 2004.
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