[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 112 (Thursday, July 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1185]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM SUMMER & THE CIVIL RIGHTS ACT 
                                OF 1964

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 17, 2014

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate 
the 50th Anniversary of Freedom Summer and the Civil Rights Act of 
1964.
  The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is one of the most important laws 
enacted in this country. President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, 
signed this critical piece of legislation into law. The Civil Rights 
Act of 1964 is recognized as one of the most significant turning points 
in America's political and social development. In a country divided by 
racism and bigotry, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 made discriminatory 
practices in education, public establishments and by employers, 
illegal. This historic legislation served as a catalyst for efforts 
towards equality across the country. In addition, the Civil Rights Act 
of 1964, along with Freedom Summer marked the climax of intensive 
voter-registration activities in the South that began in 1961.
  Prior to 1962, Mississippi faced significantly low levels of African-
American voter registration. In fact, less than 7% of African-Americans 
were registered to vote within the state. In order to increase those 
numbers and register voters across the state Freedom Summer was born. 
While serving as an expanded voter registration project, Freedom Summer 
also helped to address the issue of the separate and unequal public 
education system. Efforts enacted during Freedom Summer established 
over 41 Freedom Schools attended by more than 3,000 young African-
American students throughout the state.
  Despite major challenges, Freedom Summer left a positive legacy. The 
well-publicized voter registration drives brought national attention to 
the subject of black disenfranchisement, leading to the 1965 Voting 
Rights Act, federal legislation that among other things outlawed the 
tactics Southern states had used to prevent blacks from voting. Freedom 
Summer also instilled among African Americans a new consciousness and a 
new confidence in political action.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 50th 
Anniversary of Freedom Summer and the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

                          ____________________