WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Rep. Marcia L. Fudge joined Congressman John Lewis, U.S. House and Senate leadersto mark the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. During the ceremony, the leaders also presented a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the Reverend Doctor and Mrs. Martin Luther King, Jr. Chair Fudge’s remarks as prepared for delivery are below.

Good afternoon.

Today, we commemorate one of the most significant pieces of legislation in our history and we honor two of the world’s greatest leaders.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson exemplify the principles on which our nation was founded.

These servant leaders committed their lives to moving America closer to what it can be.

Due to the work of Dr. King and President Johnson, I am able to stand here today as the third African American and second woman to represent the 11th district of Ohio; and I greet you on behalf of the 43 Members of the CBC, of which, I am honored to be Chair.

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 did more than help end discrimination in America.

The Civil Rights Act established that legal discrimination would no longer be a barrier to what one could achieve; but that achievement should be solely determined by one’s ability and ambition.

The Civil Rights Act also clarified the difference between all men being created equal and all men receiving equal treatment.

The Constitution established one as principle; the Civil Rights Act of 1964 established the other as practice, giving a generation of Americans hope that they too could be acknowledged as full citizens of this great nation.

As President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law, he stated that America’s founders knew freedom would only be secure if each generation fought to renew and enlarge its meaning.

With the Civil Rights Act and his many other great works, President Johnson did his part to protect our freedom.  With his words, activism and sacrifice, Dr. King did the same.

Today, the responsibility lies with every American, especially those in this House.

The Civil Rights Movement and the Civil Rights Act of 1964 established equal opportunity and equal protection under the law for every American. Together we must protect it.

As Dr. King said, ‘the time is always right to do what is right.’

We must fulfill the promise of the Civil Rights Act by ensuring every American’s right to vote is protected. Let’s pass the Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2014.

Now, please join me in reflection as we listen to President Johnson’s remarks as he signed the Civil Rights Act into law.