Congresswoman Lee Celebrates the 53rd Anniversary of the March on Washington
Oakland, CA - Congresswoman Barbara Lee released the following statement marking the 53rd anniversary of the historic March on Washington:
"Today, we celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the March on Washington, when thousands of Americans rallied together to demand jobs and freedom for African Americans. It was at this historic march that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his "I Have A Dream" speech that challenged our nation to address the systemic racism and economic oppression plaguing communities of color.
Despite the enormous progress made since that march, our fight for civil rights and economic equality is far from over. People of color are still held back by limited economic opportunity and endemic structural racism.
African American unemployment and poverty rates are still twice the rate of White Americans, and Latino unemployment rates are still two points higher than their white counterparts. More than three years after the Shelby v. Holder Supreme Court decision, Congressional Republicans have taken no action to restore the gutted Voting Rights Act and ensure all Americans can exercise their constitutional right to vote.
This is unacceptable. We must remember Dr. King's call to action and recommit to creating pathways of opportunity so all families can live the American Dream.
So as we celebrate today, let Dr. King's dream inspire us to continue our work for lasting equality and justice for all."