Obama On Shuttlesworth Death: “We Owe Him A Debt Of Gratitude”

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama today issued a statement about the passing of the Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth.

“Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Reverend Fred Shuttlesworth today. As one of the founders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, Reverend Shuttlesworth dedicated his life to advancing the cause of justice for all Americans. He was a testament to the strength of the human spirit. And today we stand on his shoulders, and the shoulders of all those who marched and sat and lifted their voices to help perfect our union.

I will never forget having the opportunity several years ago to push Reverend Shuttlesworth in his wheelchair across the Edmund Pettus Bridge – a symbol of the sacrifices that he and so many others made in the name of equality. America owes Reverend Shuttlesworth a debt of gratitude, and our thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Sephira, and their family, friends and loved ones.”

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Happy Presidents' Day! 44 Photos To Make You Miss Obama

1. Barack Gives Daughter Malia a Kiss

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2. Michelle and Barack tell the kids a story

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3. Michelle and Barack Kiss

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4. Michelle and Barack

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5. First Family Portrait

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6. Two Terms

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7. Michelle and Barack host a State Dinner

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8. Barack Obama and Michelle Obama

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9. The Obamas on Air Force One

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10. The First Family in London

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11. First Lady Michelle Obama with daughters Malia Obama and Sasha Obama

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12. Sasha and Malia Obama at the 2016 State Dinner

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13. Turkey Pardoning

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14. Sunday Church

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15. Gobble, Gobble

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16. Malia Obama, the First Daughter

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17. Barack Obama and his daughter Malia Obama

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18. A Family Affair

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19. Flashback To The Old Days

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20. Happy Birthday!

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21. Candidly Awesome

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22. Historic First Family

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23. Ice Cream Treat

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24. TV Time

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25. Always Giving Back

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26. A Christmas Story

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27. Hawaii Trip!

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28. Obama Loves Team USA & His Wife

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29. Malia and Sasha Obama

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30. Michelle Plays on a Bike

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31. Obama Loves Team USA, His Wife & Malia

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32. Reading Time

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33. Family Support

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34. The Sister Selfie

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35. Supporting Mom

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36. Giving Back On MLK Day

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37. Obamas Give Back To The Community

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38. Always Supporting Small Businesses

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39. Obama Swagger

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40. Laughs & Turkeys

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41. Christmas With The Obamas

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42. 50th Anniversary Of March On Selma

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