Congresswoman Johnson Marks Anniversary Of The Ratification Of The 14th Amendment
"Today marks the 146th anniversary of the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment, which reconstituted the fabric of American life and law following the Civil War. The Fourteenth Amendment extended the cloak of citizenship to former slaves and expanded equal protection under the law, not only to African Americans, but to all persons born or naturalized in the United States. Of the three reconstructive amendments following the Civil War, the Fourteenth is often the most echoed due to the wide range of liberties it protects. To African Americans the Fourteenth Amendment is a beacon of hope stemming from the most reflective and significant constitutional moments of our American history. To our neighbors who risk their lives and freedom to stand on American soil, the bright light and brilliance of the American dream continues to draw those in search of liberty, justice and equality. I remain convinced that, as was true in 1868, American citizens will denounce political contradictions that grant liberty and justice to all but the poor and will compel Congress to act so that new constitutional principles can emerge that will meet the needs of our ever-changing society." - Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson
