Civil Rights
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Speech at the Law Day Exercises of the University of Georgia Law School, Athens, Georgia
We often scoff at the figures cited by the Communist countries showing that 96 or 99 percent of their citizens participate in elections. But what must our attitude be, in a democracy, toward registration figures showing that far less than a majority of the citizens in some states are even eligible to vote?
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Speech at the Opening of Exhibit on the Emancipation Proclamation at The National Archives in Washington, D.C.
In this generation we have seen an extraordinary change in America—a new surge of idealism in our life—a new and profound reality in our democratic order. Much has been done. But much more must be done, first because it is right, and because in making equal opportunity a reality for all Americans, we make it…
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Address at the Annual Convention of the Theater Owners of America, New York City
The most any law can do is point the way—the rest is up to the people. Civil Rights is not an issue that can be solved by governmental edict—it must be dealt with at the community level, within states, within cities, within neighborhoods—wherever a meeting takes place between persons of light and dark skin.
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Speech at University of Alabama
Negroes must be as free as other Americans —free to vote and to learn and to earn their way, and to share in the decisions of government would shape their lives. We know that to accomplish this end will mean great tension and difficulty and strife for all of u
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Address at the Annual Luncheon of the Associated Press, New York City
It is virtually impossible for even the most alert administration to be fully aware of all the corruption or laxity that can creep into our government. But an alert press can make a major difference not only in eliminating wasteful or corrupt practices, but in ensuring that justice prevails.
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Address at the Day of Affirmation at the University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
We in the United States believe in the protection of minorities; we recognize the contributions they can make and the leadership they can provide; and we do not believe that any people—whether minority, majority, or individual human beings—are “expendable” in the cause of theory or policy. We recognize also that justice between men and nations…
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Television interview in the WTTG studios of the Metromedia Television Network
I think that we are also seeing a resurgence of extremism in the Northern communities. When we start to move in these areas, civil rights make some people uncomfortable, because things are not the same as they have always been.
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Address at the American Jewish Congress, New York City
It is the ideal of freedom which underlies our great concern for civil rights. Nations around the world look to us for leadership not merely by strength of arms but by the strength of our convictions. We not only want, but we need, the free exercise of rights by every American. We need the strength…
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Address at the National Newspaper Publishers Association, Morgan State College, Baltimore, Maryland
Our newspapers must be free to report every facet of American life for this is not only a freedom guaranteed to them but a guarantee of freedom for all Americans.
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Television interview in the WTTG studios of the Metromedia Television Network
I think that some of the demonstrations have weakened the position of those who advocate a particular cause.
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Address at Kentucky’s Centennial of the Emancipation Proclamation, Freedom Hall, Louisville, Kentucky
It is one thing to open the schools to all children regardless of race. It is another to train the teachers, to build the classrooms, and to attempt to eliminate the effects of past educational deficiencies. It is still another to find ways to feed the incentive to learn and keep children in school.
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