Lyndon B. Johnson -1965, The Capitol, Washington D.C. – Speech Calling for Equal Voting Rights
The words “we shall overcome” became forever associated with Lyndon B. Johnson, the 36th president of the United States, when he delivered a speech that advocated for equal voting rights. He borrowed the quote from African American leaders in an effort to convince Congress to pass the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965.
His efforts were successful, and he eventually signed the legislation into law. As a result, efforts designed to prevent African Americans from participating in the electoral process were made illegal. Johnson, whose presidency saw the creation of national health insurance programs and the war on poverty efforts, considered the Voting Rights Act his most important legacy.
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