Rep. Kamlager-Dove Ceremonially Sworn-In to Congress Using Rosa Parks Bible
Rep. Kamlager-Dove was joined by her mother, staff, and Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts
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Rep. Kamlager-Dove Ceremonially Sworn-In to Congress Using Rosa Parks Bible
Rep. Kamlager-Dove was joined by her mother, staff, and Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts
WASHINGTON, DC—Last week, Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) was ceremonially sworn-in to the U.S. House of Representatives on the personal bible of Rosa Parks in the Madison Hall of the Library of Congress. Emphasizing Rep. Kamlager-Dove’s commitment to the arts and arts education, she was sworn in by Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts who gave brief remarks before the swearing-in.
The bible used was a pocket bible belonging to the civil rights icon, Rosa Parks that she carried with her in her purse after she moved to Detroit in 1957. Along with this bible, Rep. Kamlager-Dove was sworn in on a copy of the Constitution.
“I am profoundly honored to represent the great people of California’s 37th Congressional District,” Rep. Kamlager-Dove said. “Though these first few weeks in Congress did not go the way I expected, I am incredibly grateful that my mother could join me as I was sworn in by Chair Jackson. Having the opportunity to be sworn in on Rosa Parks’ personal bible in the shadows of enslavers reminds me of how much progress we have made. But I am also aware of how much work there is to still be done. We must continue to fight for economic justice, for abortion rights for all, for Mother Earth, and for our democracy itself. I am excited and humbled by the work ahead, and I thank the people of California’s 37th Congressional District for this opportunity and their trust.”
“I am so honored to have been invited to participate in the ceremonial swearing-in of Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove.” Dr. Maria Rosario Jackson, Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts said. “She leads with head, heart, and hand, informed by a deep and personal understanding of the power of the arts in helping us see our shared humanity and reach our full potential as a nation.”
The below pictures are available for media use:
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