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Originally Processed With FOIA(s):
FOIA Number:
S; 1999-0285-F
2011-2184-F
FOIA
MARKER
This is not a textual record. This is used as an
administrative marker by the George Bush Presidential
Library Staff.
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George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
Collection/Office of Origin:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
Subseries:
Chron File, 1989-1993
OA/ID Number:
13493
Folder ID Number:
13493-009
Folder Title:
1964 Civil Rights Act - 25th Anniversary 6/30/89
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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 29, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
EDWARD E. McNALLY EMN
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE 25TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft remarks
for the East Room ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of
the 1964 civil rights movement.
II. DISCUSSION
At 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 1989, you are scheduled to
appear at the East Room to deliver a 10 minute address
commemorating the 1964 civil rights movement.
This event was proposed by the Attorney General, through
David Bates, and is intended to provide an opportunity for you to
emphasize your Administration's commitment to civil rights and
equality of opportunity -- as well as to respond to keen public
interest in the anniversary of the actual signing of the 1964
Civil Rights Acts. [President Johnson signed the Act in an East
Room ceremony on July 3, 1964.]
The audience is expected to consist of approximately 220
veterans of the civil rights movement -- representing a broad
cross-section of women's groups, Americans with disabilities, and
religious, ethnic, and racial minorities.
[Note: Because a policy decision is still pending, the
first paragraph on page 5 -- announcing re-authorization of the
Civil Rights Commission -- is bracketed.]
(McNally/Simon)
June 29, 1989, 9:00 a.m.
Draft Two (1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
2:00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not only to commemorate an
anniversary -- but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate
our efforts to the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. Nearly a
century later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the
promise of that revolution might be extended to all people. But
for many Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the
promise would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
2
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King, Jr. proclaim a dream that was due every American.
The following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts
would burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 74-day filibuster. And the result was a
statutory package -- soon to be bolstered by voting rights and
open housing legislation -- that stands as a landmark in the
civil rights movement.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the brutal murder of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
It is appropriate today that we re-dedicate ourselves to
that most American of dreams: A society in which every
individual is judged not "by the color of their skin -- but by
the content of their character."
That means vigilant and aggressive enforcement of all civil
rights laws. And it means the sensitive application of those
laws when competing rights of innocent persons are at stake. The
3
law cannot tolerate any discrimination -- and my Administration
will not tolerate any backsliding on that principle.
While celebrating our achievements and recommitting
ourselves to their preservation -- we must recognize that the
full promise of the civil rights movement has still not been
achieved. The hard lesson of the passing years is that it has
not been enough to wage a war against the old forms of bigotry
and inequality.
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it is time to move forward on
a broader front.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
enslavement -- the slavery of drug addiction.
4
On other fronts, we are supporting landmark new legislation
-- to extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more
than 36 million Americans with disabilities -- bringing them into
last week,
the mainstream of American society. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impediments to providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be just finding
jobs for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
The workforce of the future can also benefit from the unique
abilities of persons with disabilities. The time-tested laws
that give civil rights protections can -- and ought to be --
extended to persons with disabilities. This will involve a
careful balance between the needs of persons with disabilities
and the needs of business to make real progress towards opening
the doors of the workplace.
In the 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
progress. It is time now to move forward on a broader front --
to move forward into the century's final decade with a civil
5
rights mission that fully embraces every deserving American --
whether black or yellow, brown or white -- whether women,
children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the unemployed or
the homeless.
[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000. ]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require full support
from our businesses, schools and families.
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
Document No. 048561SS
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
6/29/89 ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
----
DATE:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
4,
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
4
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
WINSTON
CARD
PINKERTON
CICCONI
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
89 JUN30 30 A7: 00
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1333 28 N
June 29, 1989
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON cw
FROM:
EDWARD E. McNALLY EMN
SUBJECT:
EAST ROOM CEREMONY TO COMMEMORATE THE 25TH
ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
I. SUMMARY
Attached for your consideration and review are draft remarks
for the East Room ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of
the 1964 civil rights movement.
II. DISCUSSION
At 2:00 p.m. on Friday, June 30, 1989, you are scheduled to
appear at the East Room to deliver a 10 minute address
commemorating the 1964 civil rights movement.
This event was proposed by the Attorney General, through
David Bates, and is intended to provide an opportunity for you to
emphasize your Administration's commitment to civil rights and
equality of opportunity -- as well as to respond to keen public
interest in the anniversary of the actual signing of the 1964
Civil Rights Acts. [President Johnson signed the Act in an East
Room ceremony on July 3, 1964.]
The audience is expected to consist of approximately 220
veterans of the civil rights movement -- representing a broad
cross-section of women's groups, Americans with disabilities, and
religious, ethnic, and racial minorities.
[Note: Because a policy decision is still pending, the
first paragraph on page 5 -- announcing re-authorization of the
Civil Rights Commission -- is bracketed.]
(McNally/Simon)
June 29, 1989, 9:00 a.m.
Draft Two (1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
2:00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not only to commemorate an
anniversary -- but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate
our efforts to the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. Nearly a
century later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the
promise of that revolution might be extended to all people. But
for many Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the
promise would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
2
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King, Jr. proclaim a dream that was due every American.
The following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts
would burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 74-day filibuster. And the result was a
statutory package -- soon to be bolstered by voting rights and
open housing legislation -- that stands as a landmark in the
civil rights movement.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the brutal murder of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
It is appropriate today that we re-dedicate ourselves to
that most American of dreams: A society in which every
individual is judged not "by the color of their skin -- but by
the content of their character." "
That means vigilant and aggressive enforcement of all civil
rights laws. And it means the sensitive application of those
laws when competing rights of innocent persons are at stake. The
3
law cannot tolerate any discrimination -- and my Administration
will not tolerate any backsliding on that principle.
While celebrating our achievements and recommitting
ourselves to their preservation -- we must recognize that the
full promise of the civil rights movement has still not been
achieved. The hard lesson of the passing years is that it has
not been enough to wage a war against the old forms of bigotry
and inequality.
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it is time to move forward on
a broader front.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
enslavement -- the slavery of drug addiction.
4
On other fronts, we are supporting landmark new legislation
-- to extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more
than 36 million Americans with disabilities -- bringing them into
the mainstream of American society. Last week we added our voice
to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impediments to providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be just finding
jobs for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
The workforce of the future can also benefit from the unique
abilities of persons with disabilities. The time-tested laws
that give civil rights protections can -- and ought to be --
extended to persons with disabilities. This will involve a
careful balance between the needs of persons with disabilities
and the needs of business to make real progress towards opening
the doors of the workplace.
In the 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
progress. It is time now to move forward on a broader front --
to move forward into the century's final decade with a civil
5
rights mission that fully embraces every deserving American --
whether black or yellow, brown or white -- whether women,
children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the unemployed or
the homeless.
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission. ]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require full support
from our businesses, schools and families.
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
048561SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
6/28/89
6/28/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
82 68
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 5:00 TODAY, Wednesday, June 28, 1989, with
an info copy to my office. Thank you.
21
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989 1099 JUN 20 AT IN A
4:30 p.m.
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
:00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
only
We gather here today -- not to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
Nearly
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. A A century
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 75-day filibuster, by southern Senators. And
one of
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
brutal murder
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections --- and vigilant enforcement has
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
discrimination.
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough to simply uphold the law.
ment A
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
On other fronts, we are supporting Vandmuck new legislation -- to
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than 36
bringing them to the mainstream of Currencion society.
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impediments
impossibility of providing equal opportunities for. women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
just
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
that Progress. was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
now
1
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
disadvantaged deserving American -- whether black, yellow or brown
nwhite
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new.
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000. ]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
full
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
2:00 P.M.
THANK YOU. THANK YOU -- EACH OF YOU -- FOR JOINING
US AT THE WHITE HOUSE FOR THIS IMPORTANT OCCASION.
I'M VERY PLEASED TO SEE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL -- MY
FRIEND DICK THORNBURGH -- AND OUR ABLE JUSTICE
NOMINEE -- BILL LUCAS -- BOTH OF WHOM ARE COMMITTED TO
THE VIGOROUS ENFORCEMENT OF CIVIL RIGHTS.
- 2 -
AND I'M DELIGHTED THAT -- AMONG OTHERS REPRESENTING
THE FINE WORK OF THE SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP
CONFERENCE -- WE HAVE THEIR PRESIDENT -- THE REV.
JOSEPH LOWERY -- COULD JOIN US AS WELL.
WE'RE ALSO HONORED TO HAVE THE REV. JESSE JACKSON
WITH US AT THE WHITE HOUSE ONCE AGAIN.
- 3 -
WE GATHER HERE TODAY -- NOT ONLY TO COMMEMORATE AN
ANNIVERSARY -- BUT TO CELEBRATE A MOVEMENT -- AND TO
RE-DEDICATE OUR EFFORTS TO THE UNFINISHED WORK OF THAT
MOVEMENT.
SOME OF AMERICA'S MILEPOSTS ARE EASY TO DATE. IN
1776 AMERICA INVENTED ITSELF -- A NATION FOUNDED UPON
AN IDEA -- THE SELF-EVIDENT TRUTH THAT ALL MEN ARE
CREATED EQUAL.
- 4 -
NEARLY A CENTURY LATER OUR NATION FOUGHT ITS BLOODIEST
WAR, THAT THE PROMISE OF THAT REVOLUTION MIGHT BE
EXTENDED TO ALL PEOPLE. BUT FOR MANY AMERICANS,
ANOTHER HUNDRED YEARS WERE TO PASS BEFORE THE PROMISE
WOULD EVEN BEGIN TO BECOME A REALITY.
LIKE THE FIRST AMERICAN REVOLUTION, IT BEGAN WITH
THE QUIET COURAGE OF ORDINARY CITIZENS. PERHAPS IT
BEGAN ON DECEMBER 1, 1955 -- WHEN ROSA PARKS REFUSED TO
GIVE UP HER RIGHTFUL PLACE ON A BIRMINGHAM BUS.
- 5 -
OR MAYBE IT WAS OCTOBER 1, 1962, WHEN JAMES MEREDITH
TOOK DESTINY INTO HIS HANDS, AND REGISTERED AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF MISSISSIPPI.
BUT BY THE SUMMER OF 1964, THE REVOLUTION HAD A
NAME. IT WAS CALLED THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT, AND
THAT YEAR MARKED A WATERSHED FOR MANY AMERICANS. THE
PREVIOUS AUGUST HAD SEEN 250,000 GATHERED -- JUST
BEYOND THOSE WINDOWS -- TO HEAR MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
PROCLAIM A DREAM THAT WAS DUE EVERY AMERICAN.
- 6 -
THE FOLLOWING YEAR WOULD SEE THE MARCH ON SELMA -- AND
WATTS WOULD BURN.
BUT IN 1964, THE DEBATE RAGED. GOOD PEOPLE, WITH
HONORABLE INTENTIONS, STRUGGLED WITH ISSUES AS OLD AS
THE REPUBLIC AND AS YOUNG AS THE MOVEMENT'S LEADERSHIP.
THE BREAKTHROUGH CAME WHEN THE SENATE FINALLY INVOKED
CLOTURE -- ENDING THE LONGEST DEBATE IN ITS HISTORY AND
A 74-DAY FILIBUSTER.
- 7 -
AND THE RESULT WAS A STATUTORY PACKAGE -- SOON TO BE
BOLSTERED BY VOTING RIGHTS AND OPEN HOUSING LEGISLATION
-- THAT STANDS AS A LANDMARK IN THE CIVIL RIGHTS
MOVEMENT.
BUT IT WASN'T THE YEAR'S ONLY MILEPOST. THAT SAME
SUMMER, THE BRUTAL MURDER OF THREE YOUNG CIVIL RIGHTS
WORKERS -- so SINGULARLY APPALLING IN ITS SAVAGERY --
SHOCKED THE CONSCIENCE OF A NATION, AND BECAME CRITICAL
TO OUR COUNTRY'S PROGRESS ON CIVIL RIGHTS.
- 8 -
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS LATER, THESE MILEPOSTS ARE IMPORTANT
SYMBOLS OF HOW FAR WE HAVE COME AS A NATION -- AND
REMINDERS OF HOW FAR WE STILL MUST GO.
IT IS APPROPRIATE TODAY THAT WE RE-DEDICATE
OURSELVES TO THAT MOST AMERICAN OF DREAMS: A SOCIETY
IN WHICH INDIVIDUALS ARE JUDGED NOT "BY THE COLOR OF
THEIR SKIN -- BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER."
- 9 -
THAT MEANS VIGILANT AND AGGRESSIVE ENFORCEMENT OF
ALL CIVIL RIGHTS LAWS. AND IT MEANS THE SENSITIVE
APPLICATION OF THOSE LAWS WHEN COMPETING RIGHTS OF
INNOCENT PERSONS ARE AT STAKE. THE LAW CANNOT TOLERATE
ANY DISCRIMINATION -- AND MY ADMINISTRATION WILL NOT
TOLERATE ABUSE OF THAT PRINCIPLE.
- 10 -
WHILE CELEBRATING OUR ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECOMMITTING
OURSELVES TO THEIR PRESERVATION -- WE MUST RECOGNIZE
THAT THE FULL PROMISE OF THE CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT HAS
STILL NOT BEEN ACHIEVED. THE HARD LESSON OF THE
PASSING YEARS IS THAT IT HAS NOT BEEN ENOUGH TO WAGE A
WAR AGAINST THE OLD FORMS OF BIGOTRY AND INEQUALITY.
THE LIVES OF THE DISADVANTAGED IN THIS COUNTRY ARE
AFFECTED BY ECONOMIC BARRIERS AT LEAST AS MUCH AS BY
THE REMNANTS OF LEGAL DISCRIMINATION.
- 11 -
AND FOR THAT REASON I CONTINUE TO SUPPORT AFFIRMATIVE
ACTION AND MINORITY OUTREACH PROGRAMS. AND -- AS I
HAVE SAID BEFORE -- WE MUST MOVE BEYOND THE PROTECTION
OF RIGHTS TO THE CREATION OF OPPORTUNITY.
CREATING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL AMERICANS WILL
REQUIRE BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LEADERSHIP. AND IT IS
TIME TO MOVE FORWARD ON A BROADER FRONT.
- 12 -
WE WILL BE SATISFIED WITH NOTHING LESS THAN
EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL AMERICANS -- AND THE
REMOVAL OF FINAL BARRIERS TO SELF-RELIANCE.
THAT'S WHY MY ADMINISTRATION HAS PROPOSED NEW
INITIATIVES IN EDUCATION -- THE KEY TO OPPORTUNITY --
TO BOOST PROGRAMS SUCH AS HEAD START, "MERIT SCHOOLS,"
ADULT LITERACY, AND HISTORICALLY BLACK COLLEGES AND
UNIVERSITIES.
- 13 -
AND WE'VE ASKED CONGRESS FOR EMERGENCY URBAN GRANTS, TO
HELP FREE OUR YOUTH FROM A NEW FORM OF ENSLAVEMENT --
THE SLAVERY OF DRUG ADDICTION.
ON OTHER FRONTS, WE ARE SUPPORTING LANDMARK NEW
LEGISLATION -- TO EXTEND THE NATION'S CIVIL RIGHTS
GUARANTEES TO THOSE MORE THAN 36 MILLION AMERICANS WITH
DISABILITIES -- BRINGING THEM INTO THE MAINSTREAM OF
AMERICAN SOCIETY. LAST WEEK WE ADDED OUR VOICE TO
THOSE CALLING FOR PASSAGE OF THE HATE CRIMES AcT.
- 14 -
AND MY ADMINISTRATION'S COMPREHENSIVE CRIME PACKAGE
ISN'T JUST ABOUT LAW ENFORCEMENT. EARLIER THIS WEEK, I
SPOKE ABOUT THE IMPEDIMENTS TO PROVIDING EQUAL
OPPORTUNITIES FOR WOMEN -- IF A JUSTIFIABLE FEAR OF
VIOLENT CRIME LEAVES THEM CONCERNED ABOUT WALKING TO A
CAMPUS LIBRARY AT NIGHT -- OR RELUCTANT TO WORK LATE
HOURS FOR FEAR OF GETTING OUT OF THE PARKING LOT
SAFELY.
- 15 -
AND NEW PROGRESS IN CIVIL RIGHTS ALSO MEANS
ANTICIPATING THE FUTURE -- A FUTURE IN WHICH MORE THAN
80 PERCENT OF THOSE ENTERING THE WORKFORCE WILL COME
FROM THE RANKS OF WOMEN, MINORITIES, AND IMMIGRANTS.
THE CHALLENGE OF THE FUTURE WILL NOT BE JUST FINDING
JOBS FOR OUR PEOPLE -- BUT FINDING PEOPLE FOR OUR JOBS.
THE WORKFORCE OF THE FUTURE CAN ALSO BENEFIT FROM
THE UNIQUE ABILITIES OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
- 16 -
THE TIME-TESTED LAWS THAT GIVE CIVIL RIGHTS PROTECTIONS
CAN -- AND OUGHT TO BE --EXTENDED TO PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES. THIS WILL INVOLVE A CAREFUL BALANCE
BETWEEN THE NEEDS OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES AND THE
NEEDS OF BUSINESS TO MAKE REAL PROGRESS TOWARDS OPENING
THE DOORS OF THE WORKPLACE.
- 17 -
IN THE 25 YEARS SINCE THE SUMMER OF '64, WE HAVE
SEEN MUCH PROGRESS. IT IS TIME NOW TO MOVE FORWARD ON
A BROADER FRONT -- TO MOVE FORWARD INTO THE CENTURY'S
FINAL DECADE WITH A CIVIL
RIGHTS MISSION THAT FULLY EMBRACES EVERY DESERVING
AMERICAN -- REGARDLESS OF RACE -- WHETHER WOMEN,
CHILDREN OR THE AGED -- WHETHER THE DISABLED, THE
UNEMPLOYED OR THE HOMELESS.
- 18 -
[[FOR ALL OF THESE REASONS, I AM PROUD TODAY TO
HONOR THIS YEAR'S ANNIVERSARY BY CALLING ON CONGRESS TO
JOIN ME IN A NEW PARTNERSHIP -- TO REAUTHORIZE THE
CIVIL RIGHTS COMMISSION -- WITH THE GOAL OF LAUNCHING A
RENEWED CIVIL RIGHTS MISSION.]]
LAUNCHING A CIVIL RIGHTS MISSION THAT CAN KEEP PACE
WITH A FAST-CHANGING WORLD AND WORKFORCE WILL REQUIRE
COMMITMENT, COOPERATION AND CREATIVE THINKING.
- 19 -
AND BEYOND GOVERNMENT -- AND EVEN BEYOND THE PRIVATE
LEADERSHIP OF DEDICATED REPRESENTATIVES SUCH AS THOSE
HERE IN THIS ROOM -- ACHIEVING THE LONG-DELAYED DREAM
OF CIVIL RIGHTS FOR EVERY CITIZEN WILL REQUIRE FULL
SUPPORT FROM OUR BUSINESSES, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES.
As PRESIDENT KENNEDY PROCLAIMED -- IN A CALL TO
CONSCIENCE WHEN HE PROPOSED THE LANDMARK LEGISLATION IN
1963 -- EVEN THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE OF LAWS COULD NEVER
MEET THE CHALLENGE OF CIVIL RIGHTS.
- 20 -
THE PROBLEM, HE DECLARED, "MUST BE SOLVED IN THE HOMES
OF EVERY AMERICAN IN EVERY COMMUNITY ACROSS OUR
COUNTRY."
IN THIS, I ASK YOU AND EVERY AMERICAN FOR A RENEWED
COMMITMENT TO THIS JUST CAUSE. AND I THANK YOU FOR
COMING TO THE WHITE HOUSE TODAY -- AND FOR HONORING THE
HISTORY OF THIS MOVEMENT WITH YOUR GOOD WORKS EVERY
DAY.
- 21 -
THANK YOU -- GOD BLESS YOU -- AND GOD BLESS
AMERICA.
#
#
#
Document No.
048561SS for
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
89 JUN 29 All 09
6/28/89
6/28/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 5:00 TODAY, Wednesday, June 28, 1989, with
an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989
1089
4:30 p.m.
CHICA
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
:00 P.M.
-
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. A century
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
Mon TOPMERY
would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 75-day filibuster by southern Senators. And
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections -- and vigilant enforcement has
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
discrimination.
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough to simply uphold the law.
Poesnt the conflict any
our argument regarding the recent & of ct decisions
?
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
On other fronts, we are supporting new legislation -- to
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than 36
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impossibility of providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
that was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
disadvantaged American -- whether black, yellow or brown --
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000.]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country." "
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
6/28 6:20pm
Ed-
-
6/28
your speech
qui
is greet!
vice
the
very
a It
my
are kauth
connu
se.
Kristen thought chriss staff this
would your be want,Aps greatly to
Aditing Kaylar
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989
4:30 p.m.
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
ANN VERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
:00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- (only not to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. A century
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 75-day filibuster by southern Senators. And
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- SO
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections -- and vigilant enforcement has
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
discrimination. Sounds have to Say the law "tolerates to form of discrimination" CT
does, and Bush kimself has admitted it. A recommend rewording.
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough to simply uphold the law.
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
On other fronts, we are supporting new legislation -- to
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than
Derhaps this shore
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we added
be
Adjaired
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
of providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
now
that was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
deserving
disadvantaged American -- whether black, yellow or brown --
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000.
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
HI:
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 28, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
DENISE SCHWARZ
CABINET AFFAIRS
DS
THE WHITE HOUSE
SUBJECT:
DRAFT PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS; ANNIVERSARY OF 1964
CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
Attached are the comments I have received from our office
and Justice on the speech. The addition for page four is an
important part to include. Justice has expressed concern that
the paragraph before was confusing and the addition would help
end that confusion.
Thank you and if you have any questions please give me a
call.
0 E :5d 28 NNC 68
048561SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
6/28/89
6/28/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 5:00 TODAY, Wednesday, June 28, 1989, with
an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989
1039
4:30 p.m.
20
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
:00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not only to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement AA and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. A century
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
would even begin to become a reality.
ACT
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
STeT
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King In proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 75-day filibuster by southern Senators And
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections -- and vigilant enforcement has
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
discrimination.
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough simply uphold the law.
^
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
that increase pauntal
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as choice
^
and
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
programs
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
On other fronts, we are supporting new legislation -- to
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than 36
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we I added
my
voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impossibility of providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
just
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
^
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
NB: may
progress was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
stepsith
disadvantaged American -- whether black, yellow or brown --
S.C. ies cases
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new.
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000. ]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country." "
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
please page 4 add at arrow. on Know
you
Additional Language on Disabilities
)
that you.
of discrimination
The workforce of the future can also benefit from the unique
abilities of persons with disabilities. This can be accomplished
through mainstreaming, by breaking down the barriers that keep
persons with disabilities from entering the workforce and leading
independent, productive lives.
The time tested laws that give civil rights protections can
be extended to persons with disabilities. This will involve a
careful balance, between the needs of persons with disabilities
and the needs of the businesses that can use the talents of this
growing population. This is a real challenge. And I challenge
Congress to work with the Administration to enact in this session
a bill that will address the real needs of the disabled
population and make real progress towards opening the doors of
the workplace.
Our goal is to extend time-tested civil rights protections
to the disabled to give them real independence, without hampering
the competitiveness of American businesses and effectiveness of
state and local governments.
David Bates
Staffed @ 11:45 6/28
Robert Simon
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989
4:30 p.m.
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
2:00 P.M.
X
Thank you. Thank you --- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself ------ a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. A century
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
74
in its history and a 5-day filibuster by southern Senators. And
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation --- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections -- and vigilant enforcement has
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
discrimination.
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough to simply uphold the law.
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
On other fronts, we are supporting new legislation -- to
37
?
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than
36
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
?
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impossibility of providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
the net new
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
jobs created will be filled
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
that was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
disadvantaged American -- whether black, yellow or brown --
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
?
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000. ]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
048561SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
6/28/89
6/28/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 5:00 TODAY, Wednesday, June 28, 1989, with
an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
See comment
25 : Sd 288 NAC 68
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989
1089
4:30 p.m.
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
:00 P.M.
-
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
meen X3060
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea
--
the
nearly
self-evident truth that all men are created equal.
A century
A
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
some [or] a few
mollin
Murr
x4864 +
in its history and a 75-day filibuster by A southern Senators, And *3060
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
main
murder
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections -- and vigilant enforcement has
Murr
produce substantial progress in the struggle against
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
X4864
discrimination.
+
discrimination
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough to simply uphold the law.
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
Holen
IS developing
5178
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
Danns
working towards
On other fronts, we are supporting new legislation -- to
x5044
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than 36
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impossibility of providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
that was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
disadvantaged American -- whether black, yellow or brown --
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
detate
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
no to the 1t
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
6
to the Year 2000. ]]
must
X4864
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
full
murr
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
x4864
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
048561SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
6/28/89
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENTI 00 ILIN 28 DUE BY:
P ( 6/28/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 5:00 TODAY, Wednesday, June 28, 1989, with
an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
Make Okome Civil issue Rts is Common resolved 1m
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
048561SS
Document No.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
6/28/89
6/28/89 5:00 PM
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
SUBJECT:
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
STUDDERT
BATES
UNTERMEYER
ROGERS
BREEDEN
CARD
WINSTON
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
FITZWATER
GRAY
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please forward any comments directly to Chriss Winston, Rm. 122,
x2930, no later than 5:00 TODAY, Wednesday, June 28, 1989, with
an info copy to my office. Thank you.
RESPONSE:
James W, Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989
1039
4:30 p.m.
20
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. A century
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
Fair Hours
Votias Rights
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 75-day filibuster by southern Senators. And
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- SO
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections -- and vigilant enforcement has
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
discrimination.
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough to simply uphold the law.
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
On other fronts, we are supporting new legislation -- to
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than 36
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impossibility of providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
that was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
disadvantaged American -- whether black, yellow or brown --
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000.]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
Staffed @ 11:45 am 6/28
(McNally/Simon)
June 26, 1989
4:30 p.m.
Draft One
(1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
:00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not to commemorate an anniversary --
but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate our efforts to
the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. A century
later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the promise of
that revolution might be extended to all people. But for many
Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the promise
would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
2
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King proclaim a dream that was due every American. The
following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts would
burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 75-day filibuster by southern Senators. And
the result was the most important civil rights legislation ever
passed.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the execution of three young civil rights workers -- SO
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
Subsequent legislation provided for open housing, voting
rights, and other protections -- and vigilant enforcement has
helped ensure that the law today tolerates no form of
discrimination.
And yet full civil rights have still not been obtained. The
hard lesson of the passing years is that it is a mistake to think
it is enough to simply uphold the law.
3
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it must go beyond what some
would call the traditional civil rights agenda.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
slavery -- the slavery of drug addiction.
On other fronts, we are supporting new legislation -- to
extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more than 36
million Americans with disabilities. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impossibility of providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
4
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be finding jobs
for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
that was done and undone. It is time to move forward on a
broader front -- to move forward into the century's final decade
with a civil rights mission that fully embraces every
disadvantaged American -- whether black, yellow or brown --
whether women, children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the
unemployed or the homeless.
[[For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000.]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require honest
support from our businesses, schools and families.
5
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
(McNally/Simon)
June 29, 1989, 9:00 a.m.
Draft Two (1964)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: ANNIVERSARY OF 1964 CIVIL RIGHTS MOVEMENT
THE EAST ROOM
FRIDAY, JUNE 30, 1989
2:00 P.M.
Thank you. Thank you -- each of you -- for joining us at
the White House for this important occasion.
We gather here today -- not only to commemorate an
anniversary -- but to celebrate a movement -- and to re-dedicate
our efforts to the unfinished work of that movement.
Some of America's mileposts are easy to date. In 1776
America invented itself -- a nation founded upon an idea -- the
self-evident truth that all men are created equal. Nearly a
century later our nation fought its bloodiest war, that the
promise of that revolution might be extended to all people. But
for many Americans, another hundred years were to pass before the
promise would even begin to become a reality.
Like the first American revolution, it began with the quiet
courage of ordinary citizens. Perhaps it began on December 1,
1955 -- when Rosa Parks refused to give up her rightful place on
a Birmingham bus. Or maybe it was October 1, 1962, when James
Meredith took destiny into his hands, and registered at the
University of Mississippi.
But by the summer of 1964, the revolution had a name. It
was called the civil rights movement, and that year marked a
watershed for many Americans. The previous August had seen
2
250,000 gathered -- just beyond those windows -- to hear Martin
Luther King, Jr. proclaim a dream that was due every American.
The following year would see the march on Selma -- and Watts
would burn.
But in 1964, the debate raged. Good people, with honorable
intentions, struggled with issues as old as the Republic and as
young as the movement's leadership. The breakthrough came when
the Senate finally invoked cloture -- ending the longest debate
in its history and a 74-day filibuster. And the result was a
statutory package -- soon to be bolstered by voting rights and
open housing legislation -- that stands as a landmark in the
civil rights movement.
But it wasn't the year's only milepost. That same summer,
the brutal murder of three young civil rights workers -- so
singularly appalling in its savagery and arrogance -- shocked the
conscience of a nation, and became critical to our country's
progress on civil rights. Twenty-five years later, these
mileposts are important symbols of how far we have come as a
nation -- and reminders of how far we still must go.
It is appropriate today that we re-dedicate ourselves to
that most American of dreams: A society in which every
individual is judged not "by the color of their skin -- but by
the content of their character."
That means vigilant and aggressive enforcement of all civil
rights laws. And it means the sensitive application of those
laws when competing rights of innocent persons are at stake. The
3
law cannot tolerate any discrimination -- and my Administration
will not tolerate any backsliding on that principle.
While celebrating our achievements and recommitting
ourselves to their preservation -- we must recognize that the
full promise of the civil rights movement has still not been
achieved. The hard lesson of the passing years is that it has
not been enough to wage a war against the old forms of bigotry
and inequality.
The lives of the disadvantaged in this country are affected
by economic barriers at least as much as by the remnants of legal
discrimination. And for that reason I continue to support
affirmative action and minority outreach programs. And -- as I
have said before -- we must move beyond the protection of rights
to the creation of opportunity.
Creating opportunities for all Americans will require both
public and private leadership. And it is time to move forward on
a broader front.
We will be satisfied with nothing less than equality of
opportunity for all Americans -- and the removal of final
barriers to self-reliance.
That's why my Administration has proposed new initiatives in
education -- the key to opportunity -- to boost programs such as
Head Start, "Merit Schools," adult literacy, and Historically
Black Colleges and Universities. And we've asked Congress for
emergency urban grants, to help free our youth from a new form of
enslavement -- the slavery of drug addiction.
4
On other fronts, we are supporting landmark new legislation
-- to extend the nation's civil rights guarantees to those more
than 36 million Americans with disabilities -- bringing them into
the mainstream of American society. And earlier today, we added
our voice to those calling for passage of the Hate Crimes Act.
And my Administration's comprehensive crime package isn't
just about law enforcement. Earlier this week, I spoke about the
impediments to providing equal opportunities for women -- if a
justifiable fear of violent crime leaves them concerned about
walking to a campus library at night -- or reluctant to work late
hours for fear of getting out of the parking lot safely.
And new progress in civil rights also means anticipating the
future -- a future in which more than 80 percent of those
entering the workforce will come from the ranks of women and
minorities. The challenge of the future will not be just finding
jobs for our people -- but finding people for our jobs.
The workforce of the future can also benefit from the unique
abilities of persons with disabilities. The time-tested laws
that give civil rights protections can -- and ought to be --
below
extended to persons with disabilities.
In the With 25 years since the summer of '64, we have seen much
progress. It is time now to move forward on a broader front --
to move forward into the century's final decade with a civil
rights mission that fully embraces every deserving American --
whether black or yellow, brown or white -- whether women,
This will involve
5
children or the aged -- whether the disabled, the unemployed or
the homeless.
[ [For all of these reasons, I am proud today to honor this
year's anniversary by calling on Congress to join me in a new
partnership -- to reauthorize the Civil Rights Commission -- with
the goal of launching a renewed civil rights mission -- a mission
to the Year 2000.]]
Launching a civil rights mission that can keep pace with a
fast-changing world and workforce will require commitment,
cooperation and creative thinking. And beyond government -- and
even beyond the private leadership of dedicated representatives
such as those here in this room -- achieving the long-delayed
dream of civil rights for every citizen will require full support
from our businesses, schools and families.
As President Kennedy proclaimed -- in a call to conscience
when he proposed the landmark legislation in 1963 -- even the
most comprehensive of laws could never meet the challenge of
civil rights. The problem, he declared, "must be solved in the
homes of every American in every community across our country."
In this, I ask you and every American for a renewed
commitment to this just cause. And I thank you for coming to the
White House today -- and for honoring the history of this
movement with your good works every day.
Thank you -- God bless you -- and God bless America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
89 JUN 28 P6: 29
June 28, 1989
Memorandum to Chriss Winston
From:
Jim Pinkerton
P
Subject:
Anniversary of 1964 Civil Rights
A fine draft. We note that the draft does not actually
refer to Johnson's signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964,
presumably because that took place on July 2, and not June 30.
Still, it seems appropriate to mention the Act by name somewhere.
pg.1, para. 2, line 1 By saying "We gather here today -- not
to commemorate an anniversary " This underscores that the
gathering is not taking place on the anniversary of the actual
signing. Perhaps, though, we can fudge the issue -- the date is
not really important, after all, and say " not just to
commemorate an anniversary. " [emphasis added]
2,2,5
"
a 75-day filibuster by southern Senators. If it is
not being too coy, it seems wise to avoid noting the fact that
the Senators were mainly southerners, if only for the reason that
a few, not many, but a few of the filibusterers were operating
out of principled motives not based in racism. The South has
been thoroughly bashed for racism. The larger point is that it
is unnecessary, so long as we are not being revisionist, to call
attention to the locus of racism in the 60s.
2,3,2
The three civil rights workers were murdered, not
"executed.
"
3,2,2
"And it must go beyond what some would call the
traditional civil rights agenda. " This will be interpreted as
the President taking a shot at the civil rights leadership. A
better way to put the thought is the phrase at 4,3,3: "It is
time to move forward on a broader front
=
rf
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
89 JUN 28 P5: 54
June 28, 1989
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT FOR
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
NELSON LUND mg
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: Anniversary of 1964 Civil
Rights Movement
At the request of James W. Cicconi, Counsel's office has reviewed
the captioned draft remarks. Our comments and suggestions
follow.
Page 1, second paragraph. We suggest that the paragraph be
reworded as follows:
"We gather here today to commemorate a significant
moment in American history, and to re-dedicate
ourselves to the principle for which that moment
stands."
Page 1, third paragraph, last line. Because the abolition of
slavery could not be considered insignificant, we suggest
deleting the word "even."
Page 2, first full paragraph, fifth line. We suggest deleting
the phrase "by Southern Senators."
Page 2, first full paragraph, last sentence. Identifying the
most important civil rights law is a perilous undertaking.
Accordingly, we suggest saying:
"And the result was one of the most important civil
rights laws ever enacted."
Page 2, second full paragraph, second line. The use of the word
"execution" could be misleading since legalized capital
punishment was not involved. We suggest using the term "brutal
murder" instead.
Page 2, last two paragraphs. We suggest replacing the text
beginning at "Subsequent legislation
"
and ending at
"
uphold the law. with the following:
"It is appropriate today that we re-dedicate
ourselves to that most American of all dreams: A
society in which every individual is judged by the
quality of his character, not the color of his skin.
"That means vigilant and aggressive enforcement of all
the civil rights laws. And it means the sensitive
application of those laws when competing rights of innocent
persons are at stake. The law cannot tolerate any
discrimination, and my Administration will not tolerate any
backsliding on that principle."
"While celebrating our achievements and recommitting
ourselves to their preservation, we must recognize that the
full promise of the civil rights movement has still not been
achieved. The hard lesson of the passing years is that it
has not been enough to wage a war against the old forms of
bigotry and inequality."
Page 3, fourth paragraph. At the end of the paragraph (after
"the slavery of drug addiction. "), we suggest adding the
following:
"Nor will we stop here. My Administration will be
?
actively looking for new ways to take affirmative
action specifically aimed at unleashing individual
initiative among members of traditionally disadvantaged
groups.
"
Page 3, fifth paragraph, first sentence. We suggest adding the
word "landmark" between "supporting" and "new legislation. We
also suggest adding the following at the end of the sentence:
"and to bring them into the mainstream of American society."
Page 3, fifth paragraph, second sentence. We understand that the
Administration has already gone on record as supporting this
legislation. For two reasons, we doubt that it should be
mentioned in this speech. First, the bill cannot reasonably be
characterized as a major initiative, and it would be unfortunate
if the President were accused of overselling its importance.
Second, and more important, the bill suggests a certain symbolic
equivalence between homosexuality on the one hand and race,
religion, and ethnicity on the other. If the President tries to
use the bill for symbolic purposes, this symbolic equivalence
might provoke an adverse reaction, especially from conservative
religious groups. Accordingly, we suggest deleting the sentence.
Page 4, second full paragraph, fifth line. This leaves the
inaccurate impression that only racial minorities can be
disadvantaged. Accordingly, we suggest that the last few words
of this line be recast as follows: whether black or yellow,
brown or white --".
Page 4, third full paragraph (in double brackets) . We understand
that there are significant unresolved questions about the
alternatives available to the Administration in considering the
reauthorization of the Civil Rights Commission. Unless the
Administration has completed its review of these alternatives, an
announcement like the one in this paragraph would seem premature.
CC: James W. Cicconi