50th Anniversary of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Floor Speech

50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE -- (Extensions of Remarks - July 30, 2007)

SPEECH OF HON. NANCY PELOSI OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, JULY 30, 2007

* Ms. PELOSI. Madam Speaker, 50 years ago next month, a group of courageous champions of civil rights united to form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), which became a driving force behind the fight for equality and economic opportunity for African Americans. Led by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, the SCLC's commitment to non-violent civil disobedience exposed the evils of segregation and the violence and intimidation necessary to enforce this immoral policy.

* The heroic efforts of the SCLC and the great faith and courage of its members were indispensable to the epic and defining struggle of our history: to secure rights for all and to live up to the purpose for which this nation was founded--equality and justice for all.

* At the March on Washington for Freedom and Jobs, where Dr. King delivered his famous ``I Have a Dream'' speech, the SCLC created a turning point in the national debate over civil rights, helping propel passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These twin victories shattered the policy of segregation and reaffirmed our nation's commitment to equality for all of our citizens. The SCLC changed the nation with a vision of justice, equality, and opportunity for all.

* Today, the SCLC continues its commitment to improving the lives of African Americans, focusing on issues of economic empowerment, access to health care, and opportunity through education. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, I honor the SCLC for its commitment to positive social change through direct action and non-violence, and I look forward to the victories we will achieve together in the name of equal justice and equality for all Americans.

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