MO HCR42

Designates July 1, 2014, as "Lucile Bluford Day" in Missouri to honor the civil rights activist and journalist.

Recognizes Bluford's 1939 legal challenge to segregation when the University of Missouri denied her admission to its journalism graduate program based on her race, despite initially accepting her application.

Acknowledges the 1940 Missouri Supreme Court ruling that forced the University of Missouri to admit Bluford because Lincoln University offered no equivalent journalism program.

Honors Bluford's five-decade career at The Kansas City Call, where she served as editor, part-owner, and publisher, using the newspaper to champion civil rights and support key community milestones including the election of Kansas City's first African-American congressman and mayor.

Encourages Missouri citizens to observe the day with appropriate activities and events recognizing Bluford's contributions to changing treatment of African-Americans, particularly in higher education.