Sept. 9 marked 65 years since the creation of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. After the historic passing of the 1957 Voting Rights Act, the Commission on Civil Rights was formed to help investigate voting and civil rights issues impacting the American people. After President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the 1957 Voting Rights Act, the commission was given the authority to bring forth solutions and recommendations to the President and Congress in order to shape civil rights laws throughout history. In addition to reviewing voting laws, government officials also placed the commission in charge of combing through federal policies to ensure laws were created fair and equal for all Americans.

(2/5) In 1957 @USCCRgov had two mandates to investigate any deprivation of voting rights & to study the laws and policies of the Federal Government to ensure equal protection of those laws. Mandates we continue to maintain 65 years later. #USCCR65 #CivilRights #1957CivilRightsAct pic.twitter.com/P7hIHjJ0M2

— USCCR (@USCCRgov) September 9, 2022

Black civil rights attorney Frankie Muse Freeman became the first woman to serve on the commission. She joined the commission in late 1964.

The Commission on Civil Rights is the only independent federal entity charged with studying and reporting civil rights issues and enforcement. It is characterized as being responsible for informing all federal branches of government on ways to “develop well-reasoned solutions to a myriad of civil rights challenges” impacting the nation. When conducting research, the Commission delivers recommendations on alleged discriminatory policies based on race, color, religion and other factors. The agency also provides legislative plans for civil rights-based issues to state and local organizations. 

“Playing a vital role, @USCCRgov works to advance civil rights through objective and comprehensive investigation, research and analysis on issues of fundamental concern to the federal government and the public #CivilRights #USCCR65,” the agency tweeted.

(5/5) Playing a vital role, @USCCRgov works to advance civil rights through objective and comprehensive investigation, research and analysis on issues of fundamental concern to the federal government and the public. #CivilRights #USCCR65

Read our reports: https://t.co/1lZm0yfCwd pic.twitter.com/TxXAxr1yuX

— USCCR (@USCCRgov) September 9, 2022

Over the years, the commission has helped to pass groundbreaking laws such as the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act of 2021, which establishes a targeted process for reviewing voting changes in jurisdictions to prevent voting discrimination. In response to the global Me Too movement, the agency helped to pass the SHAPE Act in 2020. The law requires the Secretary of State to develop policies and procedures on prevention and response measures regarding issues of sexual harassment and abuse. The agency was also responsible for molding the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act if passed, would hold law enforcement accountable for misconduct in court and reform police training and policies. 

Last month, the agency announced the hiring of a new director to oversee the Commission on the Social Status of Black men and Boys. Established in 2020, the independent commission is tasked with studying the conditions affecting Black men and boys, including homicide rates, arrest and incarceration rates, poverty, violence, fatherhood, mentorship, drug abuse, death rates, disparate income and wealth levels, school performance in all grade levels including postsecondary education and college, and health issues. The commission is also given the wide latitude to propose remedies to redress these issues.

SEE ALSO: 

It’s Been 57 Years Since The Voting Rights Act Passed And Democracy Is Still On The Ballot

What Is Democracy? Black Leaders Meet With Biden Amid Fears Of Political Violence, Voter Suppression

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