The City of West Hollywood reflects upon 50 years of progress in advancing the civil rights of all Americans. At its meeting on Monday, June 23, 2014, the West Hollywood City Council issued a Proclamation to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was enacted by President Lyndon B. Johnson 50 years ago today.

The City Council Proclamation presentation included: Dr. E. Jaye Johnson, Vice Chair of the City’s Transgender Advisory Board; Robert Gamboa, Co-Chair of the City’s Lesbian and Gay Advisory Board; and members of the City of West Hollywood Employee African American Heritage Committee. A photo of the presentation is available here.

“Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act is important not just to African Americans, but to all Americans,” said West Hollywood Mayor John D’Amico. “William Orville Douglas said: ‘A people who extend civil liberties only to preferred groups start down the path to dictatorship.’ We in the City of West Hollywood understand, perhaps more than most, the importance of defending and celebrating civil liberties for all people and we are proud to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Act.”

The City of West Hollywood has a long history of promoting equality and supporting civil rights legislation both in and outside its City boundaries. The City is committed to the enactment of laws that recognize and protect the rights of people for who they are. The City also regularly takes a firm stand against discrimination and seeks to shed light on violations of civil and human rights as they occur throughout the world.

“We should be so proud of West Hollywood’s continuous commitment to equality for all people,” said Mayor Pro Tempore John Heilman. “We still have a lot of work to do in this country to make the promise of equality a reality for everyone. I know West Hollywood will continue to advocate for laws and policies that promote equal rights for all Americans.”

“The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a seminal moment in US History,” said Councilmember John J. Duran. “However, the recent efforts by various Southern States to impede voters in the African American and Latino communities from exercising their right to vote suggests the battle is not yet over.”

“The Civil Rights movement was the result of a historic struggle towards equality,” said Councilmember Abbe Land. “While there is plenty to do, the last half century has yielded momentous victories. It’s a reminder that Americans of all races, gender, sexual orientation and backgrounds are a part of the fabric that makes this nation a more perfect union.”

“This anniversary of the Civil Rights Act serves to remind us we still have a long way to go. This struggle is far from over and we must continue to work for equality and justice for us all,” said Councilmember Jeffrey Prang. “While much progress has been made, we still must work for equal pay, marriage equality, and an end to discrimination of any kind.”

            For more information please contact Joshua Schare, Public Information Officer, at jschare@weho.org or at (323) 848-6431. For people who are deaf or hard of hearing, please call TTY, (323) 848-6496.