McClellan Statement on the Passing of Henry Marsh

Washington, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) issued the following statement on the passing of Henry L. Marsh III: 

“Today, we mourn the loss of Henry Marsh, a tireless public servant who spent his life working to move our communities, Commonwealth, and country forward. Henry was a staunch civil rights leader and a true champion for justice and equality under the law.

“Henry attended racially segregated schools as a child before graduating from Maggie L. Walker High School, Virginia Union University, and Howard University School of Law. At every point in his life, Henry worked to advance civil rights and move our nation closer to its founding principles of liberty and justice for all. As a high school student, he became involved in the Civil Rights Movement. As an attorney, he specialized in civil rights law at Hill, Tucker, and Marsh, where he took on countless cases involving desegregation. As the first Black mayor of Richmond, Henry continued his leadership and dedication to civil rights and our community. 

“I was honored to begin my public service career in the Virginia House of Delegates working closely with then-Senator Henry Marsh as part of the Richmond delegation. Together, we collaborated on countless efforts to support the Richmond region. As Chair and Vice Chair, we worked closely together on Virginia’s Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission to preserve the life and legacy of Dr. King and keep his dream alive. Upon Henry’s retirement from the commission, I was honored to carry on his work as Chair and make his vision of the Monument to Emancipation and Freedom a reality. 

“Henry Marsh was a friend, mentor, and role model. He played an important role in my public service career, for which I will be forever grateful. His life was a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of fighting for what is right, no matter the difficulty. 

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones, as we remember his extraordinary life and legacy. Together, we will honor his memory by carrying his spirit forward in the fight for social justice.”