1986 to 2004 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

I ea John Fitzgerald Kennedy was a courageous believer in human rights, both at home and abroad, in i words and his actions, throughout his life and even in death. He believed everyone should have the same opportunities for education and advancement. Starting his presidency in 1960, be assumed leadership for the underprivileged, Certain personal events influenced Kennedy's political ambitions* Although he came from an immigrant Catholi, Irish family, he was born into wealth and received the best education from Harvard, In World War II in the Navy, J.F.K. won a purple heart for bravery. As a Congressman, J.F.K. strongly supported the decision on school desegregation in 1956 and the Civil Rights Acts of 1957 and 1960. When campaigning for the presidency, he let all know he intended, if elected, to eliminate racial and religious discrimination in America. He campaigned for the Negro right to vote and fair employment in civil service positions and government appointments, Thanks to Black voter support, he won the election. J.F «K.'s executive order of 1961 banned discrimination based on race in federal government. Kennedy appointed Blacks to cabinet positions, ambassadorships, and judgeships. In 1961 Kennedy's Civil Right's Commission lobbied for are executive order forbidding housing discrimination and urged an end to segregation in interstate bus terminals. Eventually, the Interstate Commerce Commissionissued regulations desegregating all transportation facilities nationally. J.F.K. also supported an end to pall taxes and literacy tests as a moans to keep Blacks from voting. States that continued discriminatory practices in education or during elections were now threatened with a cut-off of federal funds. Kennedy also took indirect approaches in helping minorities by his support of decreased unemployment, an increased minimum wage, and aid to education. In Jane 1963 Kennedy sent his proposed civil rights bill to Congress, but it didn't pass until after his death, King's famous "I have a dream" speech supported Kennedy's bill. Ironically, the three leaders prominent in civil rights struggles J.F,K., his brother Robert, and King all gave their lives for freedom and equality. Life his heroes in Profiles in Courage, John Kennedy took great risks for what he valued.