[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 12, 2004)]
[House]
[Page H2818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION

  (Mr. RYUN of Kansas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. RYUN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, next Monday, May 17, 2004, marks the 
50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown versus the 
Board of Education. On this historic day, the Supreme Court issued a 
definitive interpretation of the 14th amendment to the Constitution, 
stating that the discriminatory nature of racial segregation is a 
violation of the 14th amendment.
  Although 50 years have come and gone, this decision continues to have 
a profound effect upon our society. It has permanently altered the 
conventional social structure in traditionally segregated areas and has 
outlawed discrimination.
  Although the celebration next Monday bears the name of Reverend 
Oliver Brown, it will be a celebration of all those who fought to rid 
our society of the practice of separate and unequal public schooling.
  I would like to thank the Members of Congress who voted for the 
legislation which established the commission to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of this historic decision, and I would also like to thank 
especially Cheryl Brown Henderson, the granddaughter of plaintiff 
Oliver Brown, along with the members of the Brown Commission, for the 
work in making this celebration a reality.
  I am grateful for the small part I played. I encourage our colleagues 
to join us in celebration on this day.

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