Today, on the 64th anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, the DCCC celebrates the landmark Supreme Court decision, marking a turning point in America’s journey toward a more perfect Union: outlawing racial segregation in our nation’s schools.
In this ruling, the Supreme Court did more than cast ‘separate but equal’ onto the ash heap of history; it reaffirmed the true meaning of our nation’s creed – that all are created equal. This case struck down legal school segregation, affirmed that education was a right which must be made available to all on equal terms — demanding that America’s promise exclude no one based on the color of their skin.
DCCC’s Director of African American Media and Deputy National Press Secretary, Kamau Marshall issued the following statement:
“On this anniversary, we are reminded of the words of Justice Thurgood Marshall, ‘None of us got where we are solely by pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We got here because somebody bent down and helped us pick up our boots.’ We can’t thank all of the women and men enough who fought for equality in the legislature, the courtrooms, and all the hearts and minds of the American people.
“Progress has never come easily — but even in the face of impossible odds, those who love their country can change it. As a nation, it is our responsibility to invest in our future by empowering all young people with the skills and knowledge to thrive and succeed. While the full hope and promise of Brown unfortunately remain unfulfilled, we must never cease striving for equal opportunities for all our children. Because when children learn and play together they will grow and thrive together.
“The hard-fought progress we have made in education and civil rights serves as a reminder that our institutions alone do not cure our country’s systemic ills. We have to fight in the courtroom and the ballot box to preserve our progress and work towards even greater equality. This anniversary reminds us of the progress we’ve made. But it also highlights how Congressional Republicans simply pay lip service to civil rights while the Trump Administration and Betsy DeVos undo important protections in the classroom. This anniversary reminds us that quality education for all of our children regardless of their zip code, race, or ability, is on the ballot in November.”