WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 12, 2017) – President Barack Obama today designated the Freedom Riders National Monument and the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in Alabama, as well as the Reconstruction Era National Monument in South Carolina. The following is a statement from BlueGreen Alliance Executive Director Kim Glas:

“We applaud President Obama’s designation of several national monuments today, including the Freedom Riders National Monument and the Birmingham Civil Rights National Monument in Alabama, which honor the struggles faced during the Civil Rights Movement and celebrate the bravery of those who fought tirelessly for equality during a tumultuous time.

“These new monuments remind us that we must remember our history—both the good and the bad—as we continue to push forward and face the challenges that lie ahead. We thank the President for recognizing the important contributions of African Americans to our American story, and for his efforts to ensure our complex and diverse history is shared with both present and future generations.”