Congress passes bill to issue civil rights coin. The United Negro College Fund commends Congress for the bipartisan passage of the Commemorative Civil Rights Coin Bill, of which President-elect Barack Obama was lead sponsor. The commemorative coin raises funds for UNCF, the nation’s largest minority education organization. The coin is to be issued in 2014 and will mark the 50^th anniversary of the passage of the Civil Rights Bill of 1964, which outlawed discrimination in employment and public accommodations such as hotels and restaurants. “UNCF is excited about the passing of the commemorative coin bill and proud to receive the proceeds from sales of the coin, which pays tribute to civil rights pioneers who were instrumental in the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., president and CEO of UNCF. “We are honored that the proceeds from the coin will carry on the legacy by helping UNCF continue to support the 60,000 students who depend on UNCF each year for the support that enables them to attend college and get the education they need to launch their careers and contribute to their communities.”  Proceeds for the sale of the coins will support scholarships at UNCF member schools.