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"John F. Kennedy and the Negro" record album
"John F. Kennedy and the Negro" record album

"John F. Kennedy and the Negro" record album

Object number2014.075.0001
DateAugust 1964
ClassificationsAudio
ObjectRecord album
Credit LineThe Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza Collection
MediumVinyl
Dimensions12 1/4 × 12 1/4 in. (31.1 × 31.1 cm)
DescriptionRecord album titled “John F. Kennedy and the Negro” featuring civil rights statements from a selection of President Kennedy's speeches. The album was published by Ebony Magazine in August 1964. Side one: "1. State of the Union 1/11/62 2. University of Mississippi 9/30/62 3. Birmingham, Alabama 5/12/63 4. Vanderbilt University 5/18/1963 5. San Diego State College 6/6/63" Side two: "1. Hawaii 6/9/63 2. Alabama 6/11/63" The front of the album cover shows a large black and white image of President Kennedy smiling and shaking hands with a group of African Americans. Along with a black and white portrait of the president, the back cover describes reactions to the assassination and President Kennedy's civil rights legacy. This image is not available online larger than a thumbnail to protect the copyright of its creator(s). For a more detailed examination of this item, please schedule an appointment in the Museum’s Reading Room.
Curatorial Commentary
This album was produced by Ebony magazine, which was a pictorial news magazine that first appeared in November 1945. Created by John H. Johnson, it was modeled after LIFE magazine, another popular, mainstream pictorial magazine of the time. Ebony celebrated African American life and culture by depicting the achievements of black Americans. During the late 1950s the magazine ran Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s column, “Advice for Living By.” During the 1960s, articles supporting and covering civil rights appeared as the magazine provided a national platform for addressing the racial issues affecting African Americans. - Krishna Shenoy, Librarian/Archivist