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Oral history
John F. Kennedy Oral History Collection
JFKOH-TMH-01
In this interview Hesburgh discusses his contact with John F. Kennedy [JFK] before he was elected President; Harris Wofford on JFK’s staff; different members of the Commission on Civil Rights; meeting with President JFK about the Commission’s reports and recommendations; JFK versus Dwight D. Eisenhower and Lyndon B. Johnson on civil rights, respectively; JFK’s political priorities as President and what that meant for civil rights issues during his Administration; tension between the Commission and the Department of Justice; JFK’s characterization of civil rights as a moral problem; and a shift in Commission reports towards the local level, among other issues.
Photograph
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-AR6908-C
President John F. Kennedy meets with members of the United States Commission on Civil Rights in the Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Seated, facing away from the camera (L-R): Berl I. Bernhard; Erwin N. Griswold; and John A. Hannah, Chairman. Seated, facing the camera (L-R): President Kennedy (in rocking chair); Harris Wofford, Special Assistant to the President for Civil Rights; Spottswood Robinson, III; Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh; Robert G. Storey, Vice Chairman (partially hidden); and Robert S. Rankin. Members of the news media in background, including White House correspondent for United Press International (UPI) Helen Thomas (third from left).
Photograph
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-AR6908-B
President John F. Kennedy meets with members of the United States Commission on Civil Rights in the Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Seated (L-R): Harris Wofford, Special Assistant to the President for Civil Rights; Spottswood Robinson, III; Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh; Robert G. Storey, Vice Chairman (partially hidden); Robert S. Rankin; John A. Hannah, Chairman; Erwin N. Griswold; Berl I. Bernhard; and President Kennedy (in rocking chair). Members of the news media in background.
Photograph
White House Photographs
JFKWHP-AR6908-A
President John F. Kennedy meets with members of the United States Commission on Civil Rights in the Oval Office, White House, Washington, D.C. Seated (L-R): John A. Hannah, Chairman; Erwin N. Griswold; Berl I. Bernhard; and President Kennedy (in rocking chair). Photographers in background.