ALSOBROOKS STATEMENT ON UNVEILING OF BARBARA ROSE JOHNS STATUE ON CAPITOL HILL

December 16, 2025

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Senator Alsobrooks (D-Md.) released the following statement after attending the unveiling of a statue depicting a teen civil rights leader, Barbara Rose Johns, in the United States Capitol. This historic statue replaces a statue of Robert E. Lee.

"I was honored to attend the unveiling in the United States Capitol today of a statue depicting a teenaged Barbara Rose Johns, whose walkout, protesting poor conditions at her segregated Virginia high school, became one of the five cases that the U.S. Supreme Court reviewed in Brown v. Board of Education. The landmark 1954 ruling declared school segregation unconstitutional.

"Today, we witnessed a Capitol where every American's history and life can be reflected. Where we can all see ourselves in our nation's history. Where every American child can access an equal and adequate education.

"Even in these difficult times, when progress feels so stilted, let today be a reminder that we can continue to push, to move forward. And we must.

"I thank Senators Warner and Kaine for their leadership in securing this statue in the Capitol. And I also want to especially thank the artist, Steven Weitzman, a Prince Georgian who so beautifully captured the likeness and spirit of Barbara Rose Johns."

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