Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson hosted her 21st annual interfaith prayer breakfast at the Music Hall at Fair Park. The theme of this year’s breakfast was “prayer, the foundation of equality and justice,” and featured a keynote address by civil rights icon, Congressman John Lewis (GA-05).
“The very foundation of my life is prayer,” Congressman Johnson said to a breakfast audience of more than 140 people. The attendees included members of the clergy, elected officials, business owners and a group of Dallas students that last November retraced routes taken by the “Freedom Riders” who fought to integrate segregated workplaces and public facilities during the 1960s.
Congresswoman Johnson applauded the high school and middle school students for taking the “Freedom Riders” trip. “These young people visited places where Congressman Lewis and others challenged the American government to enact laws that gave full citizenship to every American. I was among those that supported their trip, and we are proud of them.”
While introducing her congressional colleague, Congresswoman Johnson said that his actions as a civil rights leader were directly related to her decision to run for elected office. “He was beaten, but not discouraged,” she said of the Georgia legislator who is also the only living speaker among those who spoke at the 1963 March on Washington.
“There is a sweet spirit of prayer in this place,” Congressman Lewis said as he began his remarks. “I cannot imagine where we would be in this country if our work had not been based on a foundation of prayer.”
“If someone had not prayed for me during the beatings I took that left me unconscious I would not be standing here today,” said Congressman Lewis. “Prayer allows us to never give in and never give up. Prayer will change things… Even in the Congress we need prayer.”
Reverend Claude Maples, who has been the master of ceremonies of the prayer breakfast since it began two decades ago, introduced members of the clergy representing the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faith. Each of them gave brief remarks after Congressman Lewis gave his address.
