Contact: Shrita Sterlin-Hernandez, media@cbcfinc.org
WASHINGTON, May 17, 2014 – A. Shuanise Washington, president and chief executive officer of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF), today released the following statement in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, the landmark Supreme Court ruling that desegregated schools.
“Sixty years ago today, the Supreme Court issued its historic decision in Brown v. Board of Education, ending the legal segregation in schools throughout the United States of America. In this historic moment, the highest court in the land declared that education is ‘a right, which must be made available to all on equal terms.’
“This case established opportunities for different races to be educated together in the same classroom and sought to end unequal education in our nation’s schools. America can look proudly upon the strides we have made in ensuring educational access for every child. However, all these years later, there still exists great disparity in the educational attainment and quality of education of minority students. There is more work to be done to close the achievement gap.
“Raising the performance of African American students and providing access to educational opportunities are critical priorities for the Foundation. Through our Leadership Institute for Public Service, we are preparing the next generation of African-American leaders to excel in careers like STEM, communication, health, energy, public policy, and international studies.
“At the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, we embrace the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education and remain committed to investing in and empowering America’s future leaders.”
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