The recent unveiling of a statue honoring civil rights activist and journalist Daisy Bates in the National Statuary Hall brought out a bipartisan mix of individuals who praised the icon and the newest fixture at the U.S. Capitol.

Arkansas Republican Congressman Bruce Westerman reflected on Mrs. Bates’ early life challenges, while the man who created the statue praised her courage. Democratic members of Congress also chimed in, noting the historic installation and acknowledgment of Mrs. Bates’ activism.

“Considering the current climate that we’re in as it relates to politics and race, it’s important that we remind people of our history,” Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett said last week.

I think we need to consistently remind people of our history and what really matters. And hopefully, we can find it in our hearts to recognize the future historians doing their part to better this country.”

Because of her prominent role in integration, Mrs. Bates was often a target for intimidation, with rocks thrown at her home, bullet shells sent to her mailbox and threats that forced her family to shut down their newspaper.

Mrs. Bates, who died in 1999 at age 84, played a crucial role in desegregating Arkansas public schools in the 1950s.

Along with her husband, she published an Arkansas newspaper dedicated to the civil rights cause and served as the president of the state’s NAACP chapter.

“Every high school, every middle school, every elementary school, every college in this country is the pattern of America today because of Daisy Gaston Bates,” remarked Charles King, president of the Daisy Bates House Museum Foundation, during the unveiling ceremony.