Rep. Scott Speaks at the Unveiling Ceremony for the Barbara Rose Johns Virginia Statue in the United States Capitol
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, Congressman Bobby Scott, the Dean of the Virginia Congressional Delegation, gave remarks at the unveiling of Virginia's newest statue in the U.S. Capitol -- Barbara Rose Johns. This statue replaces the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, which was removed from the Capitol in 2020.
Below are Rep. Scott's remarks as delivered.
"Thank you, Governor Youngkin, Governor-elect Spanberger, Governor Northam, and the Johns Family, Lynda Johnson Robb, who's with us today. And my friend and colleague Skip Griffin.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, as the Dean of the Virginia delegation, it is great to be with all of you as we celebrate this great day for the Commonwealth, as well as a great day for the nation as we honor the life of Barbara Rose Johns.
"It has been said that as a 16-year-old, she led a walkout of students at the Moton High School in Farmville, Virginia because she refused to accept the inequality of segregation public schools. And her determination led her to contact Oliver Hill and Spottswood Robinson with the NAACP which led to the lawsuit Davis v. County School Board of Prince Edward County, Virginia, which (as we just heard) ultimately became part of the landmark case of Brown v. Board of Education where the Supreme Court famously said that "in these days it is doubtful that any child may reasonably be expected to exceed in life if denied the opportunity of an education. Such an opportunity where the state has undertaken to provide it, is a right which must be made available to all, on equal terms" and overruled the precedent of "separate but equal" saying that separate but equal facilities are inherently unequal.
"Today, many of us are following in Barbara's footsteps as we work to ensure that America is living up to that promise in Brown v. Board of Education, fighting against segregation, fighting for diversity, as we ensure that every child has equitable access to a high-quality education.
"But as well all know, our nation has a complicated history. Virginia did not immediately accept the ruling in Brown and instead noticed the language in Brown: quote "where state has undertaken to provide it" -and actually closed the schools in Prince Edward County to avoid integration by what they called massive resistance.
"We have some students here today that were denied that education. Can you stand? I know Skip and others who were denied their education. Please stand.
"And the General Assembly adopted that massive resistance, and we have members of the General Assembly who are here, we have a different General Assembly. Can the members of the General Assembly that are here with us today, please stand?
"Now I believe the story of both Virginia and of America, is that while we may face setbacks and we may not be perfect, but eventually we are able to right past wrongs and keep moving forward.
"I also want to give special thanks to Governor Ralph Northam, my former congressional colleagues Jennifer Wexton, Tom Garrett and the late Donald McEachin. All of them were instrumental in making today a reality as we honor Barbara Rose Johns. It was her strength and unwavering belief in equality and justice that helped change the entire nation for the better. So, it is hard to think of a better example of a Virginian to represent the Commonwealth in the United States Capitol. Thank you!"