Cleo Fields sworn in as congressman for District 6 at Southern University

Cleo Fields sworn in as congressman for District 6 at Southern University

On Monday, Feb. 17, U.S. Rep. Cleo Fields was sworn in at his alma mater, Southern University and A&M College. Administering the symbolic oath at the F.G. Clark Activity Center was House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jefferies. Fields was officially sworn in to represent the 6^th District of Louisiana in January.

In a full venue during Black History Month, Fields paid homage to Black Americans who fought for civil rights. Fields represents a recently redrawn congressional district - Louisiana's second Black-majority district - that extends from Baton Rouge to Shreveport.

"It was their courage in the face of injustice and inequities that led to the groundwork for moments like this, reminding us that progress often comes through sacrifice, the sacrifices of countless others who fought on the right side of history and paved the way for people like me," Fields said.

Jefferies echoed the historical impact in his remarks.

"Cleo Fields is a living breathing example of Black excellence and resilience on full display for the young people that were here and participated in the program in such a magnificent way," Jeffries said. "Black history is both American history and living history at the same time, and the inauguration of Congressman Cleo Fields represented that in such a magnificent way."

The ceremony was hosted by the Louisiana Leadership Institute, a nonprofit organization founded by Fields in 1993. Students in the program as well as students from local K-12 schools and Southern University participated. Fields, who was the youngest person to serve in the 103^rd Congress, said was intentional. He was 29 when elected to represent Louisiana's District 4 in 1992 and served for two terms.

"That's why I wanted these young people to know that it's real, you can be a member of Congress. Thirty-two years ago when I was elected into Congress, it was under the same conditions I'm elected now," Fields said. "It's always a struggle. It's always a fight. I want them to know when they get knocked down, they can get back up."