In Case You Missed It: Rep. García Delivers Speech Honoring the Life and Legacy of Rev. Walter “Slim” Coleman

WASHINGTON, DC – Yesterday, Congressman Jesús “Chuy” García (IL-04) delivered a speech on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives honoring the life and work of Reverend Walter “Slim” Coleman.

A video of the speech can be found here.

Remarks as delivered:

“I rise today to honor the life of a community activist and fighter for justice: Reverend Walter ‘Slim’ Coleman. 

“Reverend Slim was part of a Rainbow Coalition. He always worked to help the powerless build power, expand opportunity, and hold the government accountable to the peoples’ needs. 

“And he brought caucasian allies to that fight alongside Latino and Black leaders. Slim helped elect Chicago’s first Black Mayor, Harold Washington. 

“Slim was in it for the long haul. No setback, no loss, deterred him from fighting for affordable housing, good schools, community safety, better healthcare, and more. 

“Alongside his wife, Reverend Emma Lozano, the Reverend was a leader of Chicago’s sanctuary movement. In 2006, he declared his church as a sanctuary to protect immigrants from deportation, and other churches followed suit. 

“Reverend Slim, our city is indebted to you. And we will miss you sorely. Rest in peace, dear friend.”

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