I am delighted that we have gathered to remember a landmark decision, a decision that is meaningful and important to all Americans.

I grew up in segregated Mississippi. I felt segregation, knew it, watched it then; I know it still. It was a stain on American history, a clear denial of our constitutional protections, a plague on our promised land, an act of vicious hatred. The so-called justifications for segregation were custom and tradition, states' rights and legal precedent. In reality, the reasons were clear: ignorance, prejudice, violence and fear. Segregation has been called "America's apartheid." It was a 250-year legal division, based on a lie-that blacks were inferior to whites. I know it was an eclipse of the sun, blocking out hope, truth and light, and leaving us with despair, falsehood and blindness. It was a disgraceful, disgusting chapter in our country's otherwise democratic story.

I remain in awe of those who rose above segregation, displaying dignity, pride and courage when the law and people conspired to enslave them. I am thinking of Dr. Benjamin Elijah Mays, who taught near here at Howard University and then became president of Morehouse College. Ralph Bunche also taught at Howard and became the first African American Noble Laureate. And I am thinking of Frederick Douglass, Langston Hughes, Duke Ellington, Sojourner Truth and so many others who fought back with bold resolution, soulful compassion and inspiring example.

I am still grateful, and all Americans should be grateful, that Oliver Brown had the courage to challenge segregation. This decision was an act of emancipation, a demand for equality and freedom for all Americans. I am thankful, as we all must be, that Thurgood Marshall, Charles Hamilton Houston, Bill Coleman and so many others had the commitment and tenacity to stay with this case through a roller-coaster ride of events. These were ethical and legal giants, who accomplished a noble task at a great moment of challenge.

I was at Jackson State when the decision was announced. There was joy, jubilation and relief. But Brown was just the beginning of a long fight for freedom. Legal segregation continued for many years in several states. There was massive resistance to this decision. In some places it was like a second civil war.

Now, with the perspective of years and experience, the goal of the decision remains our goal. The fight for freedom remains our fight. In education, we have opened the schools. Now we have to make sure all students actually receive a quality education and are not ignored or forgotten. I believe we have done that with No Child Left Behind. Brown gave all children access, and No Child Left Behind-its legacy-focuses on achievement. By remembering that decision and its powerful message, we can continue to construct a country and culture that prize freedom, dignity, tolerance and mutual respect.

Thank you.

###