Pelosi Statement on 50th Anniversary of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

[The Straight Story]

Pelosi Statement on 50th Anniversary of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference

Friday, August 3, 2007

Contact: Brendan Daly/Nadeam Elshami, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi submitted the following statement into the Congressional Record this week celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference:

“Fifty years ago this month, a group of courageous champions of civil rights united to form the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), holding its first convention in August 1957 in Montgomery, Ala. The SCLC went on to become 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 provided the moral clarity that exposed the violence and intimidation used to enforce an immoral policy.

“The heroic efforts of the SCLC and the resolute faith of its members were crucial to the epic and defining struggle of our history: to secure unequivocal 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 on 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. In 2006, the SCLC led hundreds of religious and civic organizations in support of the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. Once again, the SCLC shaped the nation’s vision of justice, equality, and opportunity for all.

“Today, the SCLC continues its commitment to improving the lives of African Americans – by advocating change through direct action and non-violence. On the occasion of its 50th anniversary, I salute the Southern Christian Leadership Conference for remaining true to its original mission while also implementing a philosophy of ‘A New Day & A New Way.’

“Together we will fulfill our nation’s promise of ‘one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.’”

http://www.house.gov/pelosi/press/releases/Aug07/southern-christian.html