Gregory Meeks: “I first thank Congresswoman Wilson, and, of course, Congresswoman McBath. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to speak…”

“I first thank Congresswoman Wilson, and, of course, Congresswoman McBath. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to speak on the creation of a Commission on the Social Status of Black Men and Boys at the U.S. Civil Rights Commission. Racial inequality in this country remains stark and stubborn. Black men are 40 percent more likely to be unemployed today than White men; twice as likely not to own the home they live in; 2\1/ 2\ times as likely to be killed by police officers; and 5 times as likely to be locked behind bars. Mr. Speaker, we cannot ignore these problems. We can't waive away what is right before our eyes. Racial inequality in this country must be confronted. The time has come to address this most painful of issues. Indeed, the time has long past, but justice delayed is better than no justice at all. ``To those who have said, `Be patient and wait,' we have long said that we cannot be patient. We do not want our freedom gradually; but we want to be free now. We are tired. We are tired of being beaten by policemen. We are tired of seeing our people locked up in jail over and over again. And then you holler, `Be patient.' How long can we be patient? We want our freedom, and we want it now.'' These are the words of John Robert Lewis at the March on Washington in 1963, and we need to heed them today. Mrs. McBATH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from California (Ms.…”