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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E399-E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF REVEREND SAMSON ``SKIP'' ALEXANDER
______
HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND
of louisiana
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, April 3, 2019
Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and legacy of
Reverend Samson ``Skip'' Alexander, a New Orleans pastor and civil
rights leader who befriended and worked alongside Rev. Dr. Martin
Luther King, Jr., photographed Dr. King's life and career and was
present during some of the Civil Rights Era's pivotal moments. He
passed away on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at the age of 88.
Rev. Alexander graduated from Gilbert Academy and Booker T.
Washington High School in New Orleans. He earned a Master of Business
Administration degree at Clinton University and a doctorate in theology
at A.P. Clay Theological College. Rev. Alexander became an active
minister in the 1970s and he preached at churches throughout the city.
He was associate minister at Christian Unity Baptist Church. In 1957,
Rev. Alexander attended the founding of the Southern Christian
Leadership Conference in New Orleans. At a meeting at the New Zion
Baptist Church in Central City, Dr. King was elected president of the
group, which would go on to become one of the most important
organizations in the civil rights movement.
Rev. Alexander marched with Dr. King during many of the marches from
Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, seeking voting rights for African-
Americans. During the marches in 1965, Rev. Alexander suffered a bump
to the back of his head from a state trooper's baton.
Rev. Alexander's friendship with Dr. King and his interest in
photography led him to capture the civil rights icon's life and career
on film. He also captured an iconic photo of King's widow, Coretta
Scott King, sitting in the front row of her husband's 1968 memorial
service, holding their daughter Bernice on her lap.
In addition to his work with civil rights causes, Rev. Alexander was
also a labor organizer and led striking workers in Memphis and New
York. Also, he was involved in many 1960s New Orleans sit-ins and
demonstrations seeking to integrate Canal Street lunch counters and
department stores and efforts to desegregate the U.S. Custom House on
Canal Street. As an Air Force veteran, he led the effort to desegregate
an Air Force base near Denver, Colorado.
Balancing his time with the civil rights movement, Rev. Alexander
continued preaching well into his 80s. He also hosted a radio show on
WBOK and was involved in politics as a member of the Orleans Parish
Democratic Executive Committee.
Rev. Alexander loved the city and the people of New Orleans. His
legacy will forever be
[[Page E400]]
a part of the city and his dedication to community embodies the spirit
of New Orleans. We cannot match the sacrifices made by Rev. Alexander,
but surely, we can try to match his sense of service. We cannot match
his courage, but we can strive to match his devotion.
Rev. Alexander's survivors include a son, Jerome Alexander; three
daughters, Gloria Irvin, Joanne and Jacqueline Alexander; six
grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-
grandchildren.
Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and legacy of Reverend Samson
``Skip'' Alexander.
____________________