New York, NY - Congressman Charles Rangel issued the following statement on the 48th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act being passed on July 2, 2012:

“Exactly 48 years ago our nation made a dramatic turn in recognizing the rights of blacks in America through the passage of the Civil Rights Act. As a nation we have made remarkable progress from the days of segregation. From lynchings to being brutally attacked by dogs, blacks endured one of the greatest struggles in the history of mankind.  Yet, through the will to be free, we did not allow hatred and hostility to keep us down. We remained resilient by applying the nonviolent doctrine of Mahatma Gandhi and following the relentless leadership of the venerated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Today I am proud to see blacks engage in every sector of our society as doctors, professors, engineers, entrepreneurs, politicians and lawyers. This has all been made possible on the backs of our ancestors who were oppressed and the courageous leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. In 2008, we witnessed the election of the first black President, Barack Obama, which spoke to the endless possibilities of blacks in America. In fact, his presidency attests to the fact that anyone in our great country can achieve his or her dream with passion, determination, and hope.

I had the privilege to be involved in the Civil Rights Movement, marching along some of its most notable activists such as the Martin Luther King Jr., Jesse Jackson, and Joseph L. Rauh, Jr. The Civil Rights Act allowed everyone in America, regardless of the color of their skin or the culture they represent, to be accepted and have equal access to reaching their highest potential.

While we have made a significant change in the fabric of our society, there still remains a thread of injustice and prejudice. We must stay committed to upholding the principle of justice and equality for all and recognize that we have to continue to work as a nation to overcome traces of racism."