ATLANTA – Today, Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) issued the following statement after the passing of Autherine Lucy Foster, her great aunt: 

“I’m deeply saddened by the passing of Autherine Lucy Foster, my Great Aunt, who was 92. Auntie Autherine broke down barriers in higher education for Black Americans not only in the south, but across the country by desegregating the University of Alabama. The story of her courage will live on for generations through the newly renamed Autherine Lucy Hall on the school’s campus. I’m grateful to have spent time  last week with my aunt, witnessing her receive this fitting recognition. I will continue to carry on her legacy to fulfill the promise of America, for everyone.” 

CONTACT: PressGA05@mail.house.gov

Congresswoman Nikema Williams proudly serves Georgia’s Fifth Congressional District. Congresswoman Williams serves on the exclusive Financial Services Committee where she is Vice Chair of the Oversight and Investigations subcommittee, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and the Select Committee for the Modernization of Congress. She is Freshman Class President and Co-Chairs the Congressional Voting Rights Caucus. Congresswoman Williams builds on the Fifth District’s legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement as a champion of voting rights, closing the racial wealth gap, and ensuring the promise of America for all–regardless of their ZIP code or bank account.

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