Birmingham, AL -- Congresswoman Terri Sewell issued the following statement regarding the passing of former U.S. Representative Louis Stokes:

I am saddened by the passing of Rep. Louis Stokes. Stokes was a true trailblazer -- he was the first black Congressman from Ohio and later became the first African-American to serve as chairman of the prestigious House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.

As an African-American who now sits on that Committee, I am deeply honored to follow in Rep. Stokes footsteps. His legacy calls on us to continue the fight to promote diversity within the intelligence community and to support policies that maintain our national security in the face of growing threats.

I am committed to carrying on his legacy, and my prayers are with those who he has left behind.

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