On Friday, we recognized the 65th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Brown v. Topeka Board of Education that started the legal process of integrating schools across the nation. On this critical day in American history, we remember the legacy left behind by Linda Brown, her parents, and the 13 Kansans whose courage and persistence shifted our nation toward equality.
Honoring this legacy requires all Americans to uphold the self-evident truth that all people are created equal. Let us remember Brown v. Topeka Board of Education, and in doing so, I ask every American to commit to racial justice and equal opportunity.
I also joined the Kansas delegation in introducing a resolution recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision and its importance to Kansas and our country. Following this introduction, I took to the Senate floor to honor these Kansans and their historic contributions to racial justice and equality. To watch these remarks, click here.
In 2004, on the 50th anniversary of this landmark decision, I welcomed President George W. Bush to Topeka to participate in events recognizing this day and the celebrating the grand opening of the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site. During his remarks, President Bush said the following: "America has yet to reach the high calling of its own ideals. Yet we're a nation that strives to do right. And we honor those who expose our failures, correct our course, and make us a better people. On this day, in this place, we remember with gratitude the good souls who saw a great wrong, and stood their ground, and won their case. And we celebrate a milestone in the history of our glorious nation."
