JacksonLee

Washington, Nov 26 - Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee released the following statement in regards to the passing of Civil Rights Activist Lawrence Guyot:

“Long-time civil rights leader Lawrence Guyot died at the age of 73 after dedicating his entire life fighting to empower the powerless and leaving behind a legacy that encouraged an entire generation to stand up for the cause. The death of civil rights activist and Washington D.C. statehood advocate Lawrence Guyot leaves behind a legacy of activism that spanned more than 50 years. Lawrence Guyot was a crusader for voting rights, human rights and statehood. He was a bright-eyed, feisty and tireless civil rights worker who spoke what was on his mind. He was deeply committed and he dedicated his life to what really was a revolution in race relations in America.

“Born in Pass Christian, Miss., in 1939, Lawrence Guyot came of age at a time when African Americans were increasingly pushing back against discrimination. After entering Tougaloo College in Jackson, MS at 17 years old, he joined the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and worked to right racial wrongs. He was a lover of humanity and a doer. He loved national and local politics. He would also help anyone because he was active with tenant rights, human rights and welfare rights.

“Described by his friends as ‘fearless,’ Lawrence Guyot was a force behind the civil rights movement and worked tirelessly to improve race relations in the country. As an activist, he endured much hardship, including beatings in his home state of Mississippi. Early in his career, Lawrence Guyot was once arrested by law enforcement and brutally beaten. Lawrence Guyot remembered how his jailers often left him bloodied with deep gashes across his head and face.

“He later told the Washington Post that he was once taken from his cell and brought before a group of white men who had gathered outside. The jailer then proceeded to tell them, ‘Now you know what he looks like. You can take care of him whenever you find him.’ Lawrence Guyot was later released, and while the scars from his wounds lasted with him forever, they didn't deter him in working toward his goal.
 
“In 1964, Lawrence Guyot worked for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee and served as director of the Freedom Summer Project, which sought to register blacks to vote despite a history of violence and intimidation by authorities. He also led demonstrations with the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party at the Democratic National Convention demanding that delegations from the state include black members. And by 1968, Lawrence Guyot received full credentials to the national convention with the state’s delegation.
 
“Lawrence Guyot worked tirelessly to help improve the lives of those in both his home state of Mississippi and Washington D.C. While in the nation's capital, Lawrence Guyot worked extensively to bring better care to the community's youth. Once in Washington, he fought to ensure that the people of Mississippi and D.C. were represented. He served as a neighborhood advisory commissioner and was an adviser to former Mayor Marion Barry.
 
“When he came to Washington he continued his revolutionary zeal. He was always busy working for the people. Lawrence Guyot continued working for the people as a program monitor for the D.C. Department of Human Services’ Office of Early Childhood Development until he retired in 2005. Mr. Lawrence Guyot will always be remembered as a trailblazer and icon in the Civil Rights arena.”