“Fifty years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the historic Civil Rights Act that transformed America, opening the door to securing justice, equality, and opportunity for our communities.
“As we commemorate the legacy of the Civil Rights Act, we must not forget the men and women who toiled at the crossroads of history decades ago and paved the way for landmark civil rights advancements to make sure that these reforms become a reality.
“In the face of discrimination and injustice, they turned adversity into opportunity. They inspired generations of activists to stand up for civil rights. Their fight solidified America as a symbol of freedom and equality at home and abroad. They showed the world that America’s diversity is our great strength that is found nowhere else in the world.
“Today, fifty years later, we must continue to build on this foundation of progress in our resilient democracy. Our fight against bigotry and discrimination is not done. Let us continue to work together in furthering the legacy of the civil rights movement until the day when we achieve equality and justice for all.”