In addition to rescuing America from what he called a long national nightmare, Ford forged a relationship with African Americans as a public servant that often goes overlooked.
In 1976, after being elevated to the presidency following the resignation of President Nixon, Ford recognized February as Black History Month during the country's Bicentennial. He called upon Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history." President Carter and Reagan followed his lead, while Congress, in 1986, passed a law making it official.
In 1975, he issued a statement recognizing Black History Week, becoming the first president to do so. It underscored a life-long commitment to human rights.
While serving in Congress for nearly three decades, Ford compiled an impressive record on Civil Rights. He voted against the Poll Tax (1949, 1962), opposed literacy tests for those with a sixth-grade education (1963), and supported "Court-appointed referees to guarantee voting rights (1962). (1) Ford also"... favored additional enforcement powers against those trying to deprive others of their voting rights (1956, 1957, 1963, 1964," according to the Ford Presidential Library. (2)
Also, as a young Congressman, Ford "...supported efforts to provide Federal assistance to aid in school desegregation (1956, 1963, 1964), and consistently favored the establishment, continuance, and broadening of the Commission on Civil Rights (1956, 1957, 1963, 1964)." (3) Ford also cast a vote in favor of the hotly debated Civil Rights Act of 1964, helping to push it over the finish line along with other G.O.P.
After being elected House Minority Leader in 1965, Ford broadened his support for Civil rights. (4) He "Took an active part in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965... and led Republicans in pushing for a bill that would send Federal examiners to voting districts in the country where 25 or more persons complained they had been denied the right to register or vote because of race or color...." (5) Ford also backed a fair housing policy and blocked attempts to weaken it.
Long before going to Washington, the seeds for racial justice were planted in him. While a football standout at the University of Michigan, Ford threatened not to take the field against Georgia Tech if an African American teammate and friend had been barred from the game at the behest of the Yellow Jackets. His buddy talked him out of it and encouraged the future commander-in-chief to express his hate for economic, racial, and social injustice differently.
Sources: The Ford Presidential Library, The Library of Congress
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