[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 117 (Thursday, July 24, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1221]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          COMMEMORATING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF FREEDOM SUMMER

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. BOEHNER

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 24, 2014

  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th 
anniversary of Freedom Summer and the significant role of Western 
College for Women in Oxford, Ohio, now part of Miami University.
  In the summer of 1964, college students, civil rights activists, and 
volunteers joined together to advance the civil rights of African-
Americans in Mississippi. The initiative, called the Mississippi Summer 
Project, was a comprehensive approach to educate and register African-
American voters. Hundreds of volunteers assembled in June 1964 at the 
Western College for Women in Oxford, Ohio for training, learning non-
violent methods for dealing with potentially violent opposition.
  The memory of Freedom Summer lives on in the account of three brave 
participants--Michael Schwerner, James Chaney, and Andrew Goodman--who 
lost their lives in the pursuit of civil rights. These young men 
departed Oxford, Ohio on June 20, 1964 to investigate a church fire in 
Mississippi and disappeared shortly thereafter. Burned remains of their 
car were found on June 23, 1964. The disappearance and deaths of 
Michael, James, and Andrew brought national attention to Freedom Summer 
and underscored the obstacles and danger that faced each participant.
  I am proud of our community and its meaningful role in Freedom 
Summer. Throughout 2014, Miami University is hosting a series of 
activities and events entitled ``Celebrating Freedom: Understanding the 
Past, Building the Future.'' On October 12-14, 2014, activists and 
leaders will reunite and join current Miami University students for a 
national conference to explore the enduring importance of Freedom 
Summer.
  As we commemorate the 50th anniversary of Freedom Summer, it is 
important to remember this period in our history as more than just a 
passage in time. Our nation also heralded the enactment of the Civil 
Rights Act of 1964 on July 2. The 50th anniversary of these historic 
events is an opportunity for all Americans to reflect on the Civil 
Rights Movement and to build on the work of the heroic leaders who came 
before us.

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