Statement of U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner on the Passing of Henry Marsh III

WASHINGTON - U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA) issued the following statement on the passing of Henry Marsh III:

"It is with a heavy heart that Lisa and I join the Commonwealth and the nation in mourning the passing of Henry Marsh III, a true giant of the civil rights movement and a tireless champion for justice and equality.

"From his pivotal role in desegregating Virginia's public schools to his years of service on the Richmond City Council, as the first Black Mayor of Richmond, in the Virginia Senate, and as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, Henry Marsh's legacy is one of courage, integrity, and relentless pursuit of justice. Lisa and Henry worked closely together to commission the statue depicting Barbara Johns on Capitol Square - honoring at the seat of our government a pivotal figure and moment in the struggle for civil rights in Virginia.

"Henry taught us all that the fight for civil rights is never truly over - that it is one of constant effort, requiring us to stay vigilant and engaged. As we remember Henry's remarkable life, let us also rededicate ourselves to carrying forward the cause for which he dedicated so much of his own. My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, and all those who were blessed to know him."

###