Congressman Sanford Bishop

Representing the 2nd District of Georgia

CONGRESSMAN BISHOP STATEMENT ON ANNIVERSARY OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1964

ALBANY, GA – Today, Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (GA-02) released the following statement regarding the 50th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964:

“Today, we celebrate the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. After years of struggle, this bill outlawed discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin, and ended legal racial segregation in our schools, workplaces, and public facilities. As we celebrate the anniversary of this landmark piece of Civil Rights legislation, we must not forget to continue moving forward in the fight for equal rights, here at home and abroad.

“A great number of leaders have bravely blazed the trail ahead. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Dr. Dorothy Height, President Lyndon Johnson, Ms. Rosa Parks and many others whose names have not been recorded but who fought against legalized racism, discrimination, and for equal opportunity. The nation was in turmoil with itself, struggling for a way forward. These visionaries not only ensured our right to stand up, fight for, and dream of a better life for ourselves and generations yet to come, but also served as examples in order for us to rise up and become the future leaders of the movement.

“My memories of meeting Dr. King on the campus of Morehouse College are as vivid and real to me today as is the understanding of our need to continue the work he started. His dream was at the forefront of the Civil Rights movement, and inspired this bill which has changed the lives of so many Americans. Now, 50 years later, we have achieved much, but still have so far to go.”

Last week, Congressman Bishop attended the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act and Presentation of the Congressional Gold Medal to Dr. and Mrs. King. For a picture of the event, please click here.

###

113th Congress