JFK ASKED CONGRESS TO PASS HIS CIVIL RIGHTS BILL BEFORE YEAR'S END
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Fifty-two years ago today, June 19, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent his civil rights proposals of 1963 to the Congress of the United States with the request that the legislation be passed before the end of the year.
The President said:
"The time has come for the Congress to join with the executive and judicial branches in making it clear to all that race has no place in American life or law."
JFK's proposals included the protection of voting rights, constitutionally mandated school desegregation, and equal access to public facilities.
The President also said:
"Justice requires us to insure the blessings of liberty for all Americans... because it is right."*
The Congress adjourned on December 30, 1963, however, without having taken a vote on JFK's Civil Rights bill.
On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, JFK's successor, signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The act prohibits discrimination based on race in both education and employment. It also outlaws racial segregation in schools and public transportation.
LBJ Signs Civil Rights Act of 1964
Washington, D.C. (JFK+50) Fifty-two years ago today, June 19, 1963, President John F. Kennedy sent his civil rights proposals of 1963 to the Congress of the United States with the request that the legislation be passed before the end of the year.
The President said:
"The time has come for the Congress to join with the executive and judicial branches in making it clear to all that race has no place in American life or law."
JFK's proposals included the protection of voting rights, constitutionally mandated school desegregation, and equal access to public facilities.
The President also said:
"Justice requires us to insure the blessings of liberty for all Americans... because it is right."*
On July 2, 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson, JFK's successor, signed into law the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The act prohibits discrimination based on race in both education and employment. It also outlaws racial segregation in schools and public transportation.
LBJ Signs Civil Rights Act of 1964
Photo by Cecil Stoughton
LBJ Presidential Library Image
