Civil Rights Act

In 1964, the United States was deeply divided. There was a backdrop of fear and grief. The nation was still reeling from the assassination of John F. Kennedy. The Cold War was raging. The Civil Rights Act had become law. And there was a presidential election. And in the middle of the moment was First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson.

In October 1964, as the South simmered under the tensions following the signing of the Civil Rights Act three months earlier, First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson, began a whistle-stop tour of the South. She shattered the expectations of a presidential spouse with speeches, diplomacy, and palpable compassion as she encouraged the South to leave Jim Crow behind.

Biden used his address at the LBJ Presidential Library to call for major reforms, including 18-year term limits, and a constitutional amendment limiting presidential immunity.

Biden planned to deliver a speech at the LBJ Presidential Library Monday to commemorate 60 years since the Civil Rights Act was signed.

The President’s visit will commemorate the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. He'll then travel to Nevada to speak at the NAACP and UnidosUS conferences in Las Vegas.