Congressman Don Davis Introduces Legislation Honoring Sarah Keys Evans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, Congressman Don Davis (NC-01) introduced H.R.1237, a bill honoring Sarah Keys Evans with the Congressional Gold Medal.
“Before Rosa Parks, there was Sarah Keys, and when she stepped on the bus that day in 1952, she did not realize she would be making history,” said Congressman Davis. “I am proud to follow in my predecessor’s shoes and introduce a bill to ensure she will no longer be a hidden figure. We must stand up for the rights of Black Americans, and with this bill, we honor this North Carolina trailblazer for her immense contributions to the civil rights movement.”
Sarah Keys Evans was a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement notable for refusing to give up her seat to a White Marine on a bus that had stopped in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, in 1952. Evans’ actions led to the Interstate Commerce Commission outlawing segregation on buses through the Keys v. Carolina Coach Company lawsuit. Her refusal to give up her seat came before Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott in Alabama.
The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest civilian honor bestowed by the United States Congress. The first Congressional Gold Medal was given to President George Washington.
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