[Page H3133]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING REVEREND MARIE GALATAS ORTIZ

  (Mr. CARTER of Louisiana asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CARTER of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Reverend 
Marie Galatas Ortiz, Louisiana's matriarch in the civil rights 
movement.
  After the death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ortiz became 
increasingly involved and determined to work toward equality in her 
community. She founded the Grass Roots Organization for Women, GROW, in 
1975, aiming to encourage women's participation in leadership roles and 
challenge patriarchal social systems.
  Ortiz also led protests and demonstrations, including one demanding 
justice for the death of Stanley Magee. She actively fought against 
racially motivated violence and worked to remove Confederate statues in 
Louisiana.
  Ortiz remains committed to her spiritual mission and continues to 
support underserved individuals through various organizations.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Reverend Galatas for her hard work and 
dedication. I pray that she will continue to fight assuring a 
successful and bright future for all men and women. Today, we give her 
roses while she lives.
  God bless Reverend Galatas, and may she continue her great work.

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