[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 84 (Wednesday, May 15, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E499-E500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE 70TH ANNIVERSARY OF BROWN V. BOARD OF EDUCATION

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 14, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today marks a significant 
milestone in our Nation's history as we gather to commemorate the 70th 
Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education. This historic Supreme Court 
decision was the first step towards ending segregation in our education 
system, opening doors long closed to Black Americans.

[[Page E500]]

  In my hometown of Bolton, Mississippi, I witnessed firsthand the 
transformative Impact of desegregation. Yet, our journey toward 
equality did not end there. Cases like Norwood v. Harrison in 1973 
highlighted the ongoing struggle for equal access to quality education, 
underscoring the disparities that persisted even after legal 
segregation was supposedly outlawed.
  As we reflect on this anniversary, let us not forget the continuing 
effort towards true integration and equality. Despite the Court's 
ruling, many southern schools stubbornly resisted desegregation. To 
push for change, we had to push for changes in the law, and legal 
battles still had to be fought. I will never forget the courageous acts 
around the country, like from the students of Leland High School in 
Leland, Mississippi.
  Even today, the fight for equal education continues. In 2017, the 
battle for equality in Mississippi was exemplified by the struggles of 
East Side High School, formally known as Cleveland Colored Consolidated 
High and Cleveland Central High School, illustrating that the journey 
toward educational equity is far from over.
  Mr. Speaker, as we reflect on the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board 
of Education, let us recommit ourselves to the pursuit of justice and 
equality in education Let's work together to build a future where every 
child, regardless of race or background, has the opportunity to fulfill 
their potential through education.

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