79

President Johnson's Commencement Address at Howard University: "To Fulfill These Ri... Page7 of 7

So, it is the glorious opportunity of this generation to end the one huge wrong of the American Nation and, in so doing, to find America for ourselves, with the same immense thrill of discovery which gripped those who first began to realize that here, at last, was a home for freedom.

All it will take is for all of us to understand what this country is and what this country must become.

The Scripture promises: "I shall light a candle of understanding in thine heart, which shall not be put out."

Together, and with millions more, we can light that candle of understanding in the heart of all America.

And, once lit, it will never again go out.

NOTE: The President spoke at 6:35 p.m. on the Main Quadrangle in front of the library at Howard University in Washington, after being awarded an honorary degree of doctor of laws. His opening words referred to Dr. James M. Nabrit, It., President of the University. During his remarks, he referred to Mrs. Patricia Harris, U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg and former associate professor of law at Howard University.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was approved by the President on August 6, 1965.

Source: Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: Lyndon B. Johnson, 1965 Volume II, entry 301, pp. 635-640. Washington, D. C.: Government Printing Office, 1966.

Updated: 2/18/2002

http://www.lbjlib.utexas.edu/johnson/archives.hom/speeches.hom/650604.asp