Press Releases

Miami, Florida – Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson (FL-24) issued the following statement on the 60th Anniversary of the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision issued in Brownv. Board of Education, on May 17, 1954, that outlawed racially segregated public schools.

"The Supreme Court's decision in Brown v. Board of Education was a major turning point in the civil rights movement, leading to the integration of public education," said Congresswoman Wilson. "In the sixty years since the decision, however, our nation has yet to realize the promise of the ruling: Equal opportunity in education for every student. We must do everything we can to close the opportunity gap that continues to exist for far too many of our children, especially low-income children of color. This disparity is unconscionable and immoral. Every child, in every neighborhood in this nation, has the right to a quality education. I will not rest until this is a reality.

"Education is truly a child's best chance for a bright future, not just for themselves, but for their family and our nation."

An op-ed, written by Congresswoman Wilson and Dennis Van Roekel, president of the National Education Association, that recognizes the 60th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, and discusses the inequities in education that still exist for young men of color, will be featured, next week, in the Washington Post.

Also, in recognition of this anniversary, Congresswoman Wilson and the Congressional Black Caucus, will host a panel discussion, "Educational Success for Black Men and Boys in a Post Brown v. Board of Education Era," highlighting programs that have helped black males do well in school. The discussion will be held in Washington, DC on Thursday, May 29, 2014.