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 in incredible ways. Today we celebrate the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which gave the generations of African-Americans that followed unprecedented opportunities to help achieve the American Dream. I have seen its amazing effects in my own family, where my grandfather, who grew up picking cotton and unable to read, was just able to see his great-grandson earn his Master’s Degree.

“As we look back at its passage, this landmark legislation was the direct result of advocates, community leaders, elected officials and everyday people working together to fight for its passage. Their fight for full access to ‘life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness’ as promised by the Declaration of Independence was a major turning point in the lives of millions, and their efforts brought about change many believed could never happen. We are forever indebted to those who sacrificed so much in the name of justice.”