Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov
Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. helped pass two bills today to support equality and protect African Americans nationwide.
The first bill, the Emmett Till Antilynching Act (H.R. 55), makes lynching a federal hate crime. In 1955, 14-year-old Till was tortured and lynched for allegedly whistling at a white woman. The second bill, the ‘Six Triple Eight’ Congressional Gold Medal Act (H.R. 1012), awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women’s Army Corps 6888th (or six triple eight) Central Postal Directory Battalion. It was the only African American Women’s Army Corps (WAC) unit deployed overseas during World War II.
“I am proud to end this year’s Black History Month with support for three bills that will bring an end to historic injustices,” said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. “The tragic death of Emmett Till brought the evils of lynching into homes across the country through newspaper reports. Many Americans joined the growing civil rights movement because of Till’s death. This movement led to new anti-discrimination laws in the 1960s. In addition, it is time we awarded the brave women of Women’s Army Corps 6888 with the gold medals they so richly deserve.”
original source can be found here.
