August 24, 2013

Congressional Black Caucus Chair Marcia L. Fudge (OH-11) delivered remarks on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial during the "National Action to Realize the Dream" March organized by the National Action Network. Below are her remarks as prepared for delivery:

"Hello everyone! I am Congresswoman Marcia Fudge, representing the 11^th Congressional District of Ohio and the 23^rd Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. In 1963 there were only 5 African American Members of Congress.  Today, there are 44.

"On this momentous day, I’m proud to be joined by several members of the Congressional Black Caucus.As was the case during the Civil Rights Movement, we still stand strong as the conscience of the Congress.     

"To Rev. Al Sharpton, the King family and the many individuals and organizations represented here today, thank you. Thank you for keeping Dr. King’s dream alive.

"We stand on the shoulders of giants. Giants who marched, fought and died so that everyone, no matter their race, could have access to the American Dream. I have no doubt that the men and women who gave birth to the Civil Rights Movement would say today civil rights is unfinished business.

"Yes, civil rights for all is still unfinished business.

"We are still fighting for equal access to quality education. We are still fighting for good jobs and equal pay. We are still fighting for fair housing.

"We are still fighting for the unabridged right to vote.  We are still fighting for equal justice under the law. Here we are, 50 years later and still not in a post racial society.  

"You see, the fight for civil rights today looks a little different than it did 50 or 60 years ago. But, the more things change, the more things stay the same. 

"Civil rights is still unfinished business.  

"The efforts we’ve seen over the past few years to turn back the clock must fire up the civil rights movement of today. That means me. That means you.

"I’m here to remind you that tomorrow’s dream depends on today’s movement. We’ve come this far by faith. We can’t turn back now.  We won’t turn back.

"To quote Dr. King, “the ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

"It’s time to get uncomfortable.  It’s time we learn to live with inconvenience.

"We are living in a time of great challenge and greater controversy. Wake up! We cannot rest. We must not even think about resting until our work is done.

"Do something. Stand for something. Speak for something. March for something. As Dr. King once said, even if you fall on your face, at least you’re moving forward.

"Civil rights is unfinished business.  Make it your business.

"Thank you."