
This is from 11 June 1963. But it’s still worth listening to. This in my opinion, is what a leader does. Speaks calmly, intelligently, accurately. The leader poses questions to us all about who we are, and what is …
Maria Shriver is JFK’s niece from his sister Eunice
In his speech the President responds to the threats of violence and obstruction on the University of Alabama campus following desegregation attempts, explaining that the United States was founded on the principle that all men are created equal and thus, all American students are entitled to attend public educational institutions, regardless of race. He also discusses how discrimination affects education, public safety, and international relations, noting that the country cannot preach freedom internationally while ignoring it domestically. The President asks Congress to enact legislation protecting all Americans’ voting rights, legal standing, educational opportunities, and access to public facilities, but recognizes that legislation alone cannot solve the country’s problems concerning race relations.