Senator Tim Scott Statement on 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act

“Over the past 50 years, we have seen our nation evolve and grow inincredible ways. Today we celebrate the signing of the Civil Rights Actof 1964, which gave the generations of African-Americans that followedunprecedented opportunities to help achieve the American Dream. I haveseen its amazing effects in my own family, where my grandfather, who grewup picking cotton and unable to read, was just able to see hisgreat-grandson earn his Master’s Degree.

“As we look back at its passage, this landmark legislation was the directresult of advocates, community leaders, elected officials and everydaypeople working together to fight for its passage. Their fight for fullaccess to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ as promised by theDeclaration of Independence was a major turning point in the lives ofmillions, and their efforts brought about change many believed couldnever happen. We are forever indebted to those who sacrificed so much inthe name of justice.”