Jim Ryun: “next Monday, May 17, 2004, marks the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown versus the Board of…”

“next Monday, May 17, 2004, marks the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Brown versus the Board of Education. On this historic day, the Supreme Court issued a definitive interpretation of the 14th amendment to the Constitution, stating that the discriminatory nature of racial segregation is a violation of the 14th amendment. Although 50 years have come and gone, this decision continues to have a profound effect upon our society. It has permanently altered the conventional social structure in traditionally segregated areas and has outlawed discrimination. Although the celebration next Monday bears the name of Reverend Oliver Brown, it will be a celebration of all those who fought to rid our society of the practice of separate and unequal public schooling. I would like to thank the Members of Congress who voted for the legislation which established the commission to commemorate the 50th anniversary of this historic decision, and I would also like to thank especially Cheryl Brown Henderson, the granddaughter of plaintiff Oliver Brown, along with the members of the Brown Commission, for the work in making this celebration a reality. I am grateful for the small part I played. I encourage our colleagues to join us in celebration on this day.”