december bluebells

ourpresidents:

“We believe that all men are created equal. Yet many are denied equal treatment. 

We believe that all men have certain unalienable rights. Yet many Americans do not enjoy those rights.

We believe that all men are entitled to the blessings of liberty. Yet millions are being deprived of those blessings—not because of their own failures, but because of the color of their skin.

The reasons are deeply imbedded in history and tradition and the nature of man. We can understand—without rancor or hatred—how this all happened.

But it cannot continue. Our Constitution, the foundation of our Republic, forbids it. The principles of our freedom forbid it. Morality forbids it. And the law I will sign tonight forbids it.”

-President Lyndon B. Johnson, 7/2/64

The Civil Rights Act was signed forty eight years ago today. It was the most sweeping Civil Rights Legislation since Reconstruction.

In this photo, LBJ speaks to the nation at the signing ceremony.  East Room, White House.