Rep. Shri Thanedar Commends the Army's Fulfillment of Justice in Memory of Pvt. Albert King
Washington, DC - March 25, 2024 - Congressman Shri Thanedar of Michigan celebrates the long-awaited recognition of Pvt. Albert King by the Army, culminating in a belated military funeral. Pvt. King's story, marred by injustice and resilience, underscores the ongoing fight for equality and justice in the United States.
"Pvt. Albert King's journey, plagued by racial discrimination and injustice, mirrors the struggles endured by Black soldiers throughout history," remarked Rep. Thanedar. "The unveiling of Pvt. King's memorial, 83 years after his death, is a testament to the relentless efforts of advocates, legal experts, and family members who fought to set the record straight and honor his memory."
Despite enlisting to serve his country during World War II, Pvt. King tragically fell victim to a hate crime, and his death was wrongly attributed to his own misconduct. Through the tireless dedication of advocates and legal experts, led by Rose Zoltek-Jick and Morgan Lewis, Pvt. King's name was finally cleared, and his sacrifice was properly acknowledged.
Rep. Thanedar praised the Army's recent strides in addressing historical injustices, including renaming bases and overturning wrongful convictions of Black soldiers. "The Army's commitment to rectifying past wrongs and honoring the legacies of soldiers like Pvt. Albert King is commendable," Rep. Thanedar remarked. "As we honor Pvt. King's memory, we renew our pledge to pursue justice and equality for all."
Helen Russell, Pvt. King's cousin and primary advocate, received accolades for her unwavering dedication to preserving Pvt. King's story. Rep. Thanedar expressed gratitude to all involved in advocating for Pvt. King, stressing the significance of acknowledging and addressing America's history of racial injustice.
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