Civil Rights
Congresswoman Johnson acknowledges that even though we’ve made amazing strides over the past fifty years there is still much work to be done. We continue to see disproportionate numbers of minorities that experience poverty, unemployment, and economic and social inequality. Congresswoman Johnson continues to promote new ideas and leadership in the fields of educational and employment opportunities, ending health care disparities, and economic empowerment.
Congresswoman Johnson was an adamant and vocal supporter of H.R. 9, the Fannie Lou Hamer, Rosa Parks, and Coretta Scott King Voting Rights Act Reauthorization and Amendments Act of 2006. This legislation reauthorized provisions of the historic 1965 Voting Rights Act for another 25 years.
The passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act has changed the face of this Nation and enabled millions of Americans the opportunity to cast a ballot for their candidate of choice.
Our values, our freedom, and our democracy are based on the idea that every eligible American citizen has the right to vote. Congresswoman Johnson believes that we can not and must not give up until every American citizen has the access and opportunity to vote - regardless of their skin color, ethnicity, or language ability.
Congresswoman Johnson’s efforts and voice helped ensure the passage of this reauthorization. She also worked to the defeat four amendments that sought to strip away the protections of the Voting Rights Act.
There are many young people who may not have experienced this movement towards equality. That is why it is so important to familiarize them with our history and struggles. Congresswoman Johnson believes it is imperative that we recognize the entire history of our nation, because we cannot look towards the future without applying the lessons we have learned from the past.
Congresswoman Johnson sponsored a bill to honor local civil rights leader Francisco ‘Pancho’ Medrano by designating the postal facility located at 8624 Ferguson Road in Dallas, Texas, as the "Francisco `Pancho' Medrano Post Office Building.”
Francisco ‘Pancho’ Medrano played an integral part in bringing Hispanics into the cultural and social mainstream in Dallas. As a pivotal civil rights leader, Medrano helped to integrate lunch counters in Dallas, assisted in organizing the Montgomery Bus Boycotts, took part in non-violent civil rights marches in Selma and the Deep South, and organized farm workers in the Texas valley with César Chávez. Mr. Medrano's work to end discrimination and prejudice has had a profound and lasting effect on the lives of millions of Americans.
This bill to honor Mr. Medrano unanimously passed the House of Representatives in Spring of 2006.
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