WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Thursday issued the following statement on President Biden awarding Louis L. Redding and Chief Judge Collins Seitz, Sr. with the Presidential Citizens Medal:

“I want to thank President Biden for recognizing the impact of the work of attorney Louis L. Redding and Chief Judge Collins Seitz, Sr. on our country. Delawareans are proud to have these two legal giants as part of our story. Redding served as Delaware’s first and most distinguished African American attorney. Seitz’s decisions led to the desegregation of multiple Delaware institutions, including the University of Delaware and public schools, years before the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education case, ultimately ruling segregation unconstitutional. As we honor Chief Judge Seitz and Louis Redding, it inspires us to renew our commitment to tackle really hard problems and follow the courage of our convictions to make our state and nation a better place for all our neighbors. Congratulations to both families on this well-deserved honor and the work you do to continue to share their legacy and inspire generations. Our communities are stronger because of their actions.”

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