Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson, in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus, honored the life and legacy of President Lyndon B. Johnson in the Great Hall of the Library of Congress. This event was centered around the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Members of Congress, prominent political leaders of the Johnson administration, noted presidential historians, and civil rights leaders gathered to discuss the legacy of President Johnson and how he was able to use his office and influence to secure the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
“It is often heralded that victory has many fathers. That is especially true when we look back upon the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” said Congresswoman Johnson as she addressed the crowd. “Men, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and President Lyndon B. Johnson, both had a great deal of power, and they used it to reshape our nation. President Johnson used the full power of his office to address the injustices of discrimination in American by advancing two of the most significant legislative endeavors in this Nation’s history: passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.”
The event centered on a panel discussion that featured Congressman John Lewis, the last living speaker at the March on Washington, former Texas House of Representatives Speaker, Ben Barnes, as well as authors and Johnson historians, Nick Kotz and Todd Purdum. The panel discussion was moderated by one of President Johnson’s top advisors and former CNN President, Tom Johnson.
Remarks and reflections on President Johnson and his efforts were also given by several prominent political figures including, Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Congressman Jim Clyburn, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. The event was attended by hundreds of guests that included several members of the Senate, House of Representatives, and the Congressional Black Caucus.
