But 54 years later, we know the Civil Rights Act is not yet fully realized. We know that disparities remain in access to the ballot, access to high-quality public education, access to higher education, access to capital and high-wage jobs, access to equality in our communities.
The march continues at a time when our state implements laws that knowingly make it more difficult for African-American and Latino voters to cast their ballots. When gerrymandering intentionally draws people out of their democracy based on their race and ethnicity.
The march continues at a time when a child’s ZIP code still determines their academic future. When we have a school-to-prison pipeline that leaves black students nearly 4X as likely to be suspended. A graduation rate that finds white students far more likely to receive a diploma.
The march continues at a time when disparities remain in homeownership, employment, and access to capital. When white families have 10 times more wealth than black families. When the unemployment rate is 2X higher for blacks than whites in Texas.
We must meet these challenges with urgency, strength, and determination. We must not become complacent. As President Johnson said on this date in 1964, "My fellow citizens, we have come now to a time of testing. We must not fail."
