TOPEKA, KAN.– Tomorrow, Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02) will deliver a letter to the Superintendent of Brown v. Board of Education’s National Historic Site, David Smith to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision in Oliver L. Brown, et. al v. Board of Education of Topeka.

“This week we remember those who fought to end racial segregation in our schools and Reverend Oliver L. Brown and his family, who were the champions in this cause to move our nation forward,” said Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (KS-02). “We are forever indebted to them for their willingness to stand up for what is right, and fulfill the promise of the abolitionist founding of our state.”

“But just as important to me and many Kansans, is the example set by the Reverend Brown,” continued Jenkins. “This 32 year old minister, and railroad welder, faced down the injustice of segregation so that his 8-year old daughter, Linda could attend a good neighborhood school instead of the segregated school five miles from his house.  Events like this not only remind us the legacy of those who took a stand to make our country a better place, but it should also serves as a moment where we honor all parents who make great sacrifices to improve the lives of their children.”

“The letter I will deliver is signed by 173 of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to remind us all that issues which once divided can be resolved and we can truly accomplish a more just nation,” said Jenkins.

Items to Note:

• Attached is the letter authored by Congresswoman Jenkins, Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (FL-20), and Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (FL-24).  Notables that signed the letter are Speaker John Boehner, Majority Leader Eric Cantor, Congressman John Lewis (GA-5), Congressman Bobby Rush (IL-1), and the rest of the Kansas House Delegation. 

• On May 1, 2014 Congresswoman Jenkins, Congressman Hastings, and Congresswoman Wilson introduced H. Res. 561, legislation marking the 60th anniversary of the United States Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education. This bi-partisan resolution has garnered the support of 58 members in the House of Representatives.

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