Washington, DC — Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell (AL-07) joined President Barack Obama at the White House for a bill signing ceremony for the Congressional Gold Medal Bill honoring the “Four Little Girls.”  H.R. 360 passed unanimously in the House of Representatives on April 24 by a vote of 420-0. Congresswoman Sewell and Congressman Spencer Bachus (AL-06) introduced the bill along with the entire Alabama delegation and Alabama natives Rep. John Lewis (GA-05) and Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-02).  The U.S. Senate unanimously approved H.R. 360 on May 9.  Senator Richard Shelby (R-AL), who garnered co-sponsorship from over two-thirds of the Senate, introduced the Senate version of the bill along with Senator Jeff Sessions (R-AL).  Also in attendance at the bill signing ceremony were: Surgeon General Regina Benjamin, Birmingham Mayor William Bell, Reverend Arthur Price Jr., Pastor of the 16th Street Baptist Church; Dianne Braddock, the sister of Carole Robertson; and Lisa and Maxine McNair, the sister and mother of Denise McNair.

“I applaud President Obama for signing the Congressional Gold Medal Bill to honor the lives of Addie Mae Collins, Denise McNair, Carole Robertson, and Cynthia Wesley. I am pleased that this nation has finally honored the sacrifices of these four little girls that ignited the spark which led to the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. And though we will never be able to replace the lives lost or the injuries suffered, this medal will serve as a compelling reminder of the sacrifices so many freedom fighters made to help us achieve equality and social change,” said Rep. Sewell.  

“This Congressional Gold Medal will commemorate the legacy of four beautiful little girls whose lives, while far too short, led to permanent change in our society and who are part of the honor roll of the civil rights movement.  The fact that this moved from being a legislative proposal to a law signed by the President in such a relatively short period of time is a recognition of the historic significance of 16th Street Baptist Church bombing and its aftermath.  It was a pleasure to work with Congresswoman Sewell and our entire Alabama delegation in the House and Senate on this deserved honor,” said Rep. Bachus.

“Thanks to Congresswoman Sewell and Congressman Bachus along with the entire Alabama delegation for wanting to have this recognition and for pursuing it in Congress as well as ensuring that the bill was passed by the house and Senate. I’m very grateful. I’m sure the country will be grateful for their vision and diligence in awarding this honor to the four little girls,” said Dianne Braddock, sister of Carole Robertson.

“What a glorious day. This makes us feel so good. We are so grateful to Congresswoman Sewell and Congressman Bachus for their continued efforts to pass this bill. It has also been such a pleasure to meet the first African-American President. I look forward to the ceremony in the fall,” said Lisa McNair, sister of Denise McNair.

Later in the fall, there will be a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony in the U.S. Capitol.

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Contact: Rob NeSmith;        rob.nesmith@mail.house.gov;       202.225.2665