Contact: Shrita Sterlin-Hernandez, media@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON—A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF), today released the following statement in recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
“Today marks an important day in our nation’s history. With the stroke of a pen, fifty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law the passage of the bill that formally ended discrimination. Segregation in public places would no longer be a forced way of life for African Americans. The Act also gave people the federal protection against employment discrimination tactics based on their race, color, religion, national origin and sex.
“We are forever indebted to our human rights leaders who paved the way to make the Civil Rights Act a reality. Five decades later, although employment inequity and racial discrimination still persists, we cannot deny the progress we have made in our nation’s civil rights. The Act has led to enhanced rights for disabled Americans and legislation, such as the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the Fair Housing Act of 1968.
“Just two days before the nation celebrates our Independence, CBCF revels in this observance with everyone touched by the civil rights movement.”
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