John F. Kennedy's JFK Civil Rights Speech
One of the most significant events while Kennedy was in office was by Kennedy himself. His speech that addressed the nation on the 11th of July 1961(JFK civil rights address). Following the forced desegregation of the University of Alabama, Kennedy called for nationwide action to address the "moral crisis" and guaranteeing that America is a "land of the free" for all of its citizens. He pleaded for action, “It cannot be quieted by token moves or talk. It is a time to act … above all, in all of our daily lives.”(????). Kennedy challenged his citizens to see the fight for racial equality as national interest, stating,“those who do nothing are iviting shame as well as violence” “Those who do nothing are inviting shame as well as violence” while
“those who act boldly are recognizing right as well as reality.” He invited Americans of all backgrounds to engage in a kind of civic activism that reflected the tough WORK of democracy, arguing that “A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation, is to make that revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for all.” In the same speech, he announced that he would seek to pass comprehensive civil rights legislation and spur school desegregation beyond its frustratingly glacial pace.
“those who act boldly are recognizing right as well as reality.” He invited Americans of all backgrounds to engage in a kind of civic activism that reflected the tough WORK of democracy, arguing that “A great change is at hand, and our task, our obligation, is to make that revolution, that change, peaceful and constructive for all.” In the same speech, he announced that he would seek to pass comprehensive civil rights legislation and spur school desegregation beyond its frustratingly glacial pace.