UPDATE: Remembering the Civil Rights Act of 1964
Monday, June 30, 2014
By: Amy Green

June 27, 2014 | WMFE, Orlando -- Fifty years ago this week the landmark Civil Rights Act became law. State and community leaders gathered Monday to commemorate the law with prayer, poetry and song.

[Photo: An exhibition at City Hall chronicles the civil rights movement in Central Florida. By Taisha Henry]

The Spiritual Sabbath Ensemble of Saint Mark AME Church performed.

Former state Rep. Alzo Reddick remembered the civil rights movement in Central Florida.

"I declare today it is not just a celebration of 50 years. I want to see a celebration that will last another 250 years. And as much as I admire Buddy's leadership I won't be satisfied until we see a black mayor down here sometime at some point in the future."

The event at City Hall drew leaders like Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer and state Sen. Geraldine Thompson.

An exhibit on the civil rights movement in Central Florida will remain on display. It was put together by the Wells' Built Museum of African American History and Culture and the Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Florida.

The Holocaust center will host a series of programs in the coming months commemorating the Civil Rights Act. The series will include exhibitions, films and theatrical performances.

Pam Kancher, the center's executive director, says the goal is a community dialogue on inequality and injustice.

"We don’t really have true inequality for all. We don’t have equal rights for all. We don’t have equal opportunity for all."