Rep. Negrete McLeod Marks 50th Anniversary of March on Washington

Statement

Today, Rep. Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Chino) marked the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, where Dr. Martin Luther King gave his historic "I Have A Dream" speech that inspired a nation.

"This peaceful March of more than 200,000 people -- of all races and backgrounds -- calling for fundamental social and economic justice, helped awaken the conscience of the country," Rep. Negrete McLeod pointed out. "Over the last 50 years, progress has been made in moving America forward toward equality. However, more needs to be done."

Less than one year after the March, on July 2, 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the most sweeping civil rights bill since Reconstruction, into law. One year later, on August 6, 1965, President Johnson signed into law the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act which has helped secure the right to vote for millions of Americans.

"To live up to Dr. King's vision, we must work together to significantly expand economic and educational opportunity to all Americans -- no matter what race, creed or ethnic origin," Rep. Negrete McLeod concluded. "By taking such steps as expanding early childhood education, making college more affordable, investing in effective workforce development, raising the minimum wage, and ensuring income equity for women, we can do much more to expand opportunity. We must continue to strive toward Dr. King's vision so that America fully lives up to its true promise and ideals."

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