In 1965, Pres. Lyndon Johnson delivered a historic speech at Howard University outlining his vision for affirmative action.

In his address, Johnson argued that affirmative action was integral to efforts to undo racial disparities in the U.S..

Johnson: "You do not wipe away the scars of centuries by saying: ‘Now, you are free to go where you want...'"

Johnson: "This is the next and the more profound stage of the battle for civil rights."

Johnson would go on to outline how Black Americans were uniquely "trapped" in poverty compared to other minorities.

Johnson: "Negro poverty...is the consequence of ancient brutality, past injustice and present prejudice."

Johnson: "[Other minorities] did not have the heritage of centuries to overcome."

Johnson: "[It is a] devastating heritage of long years of slavery; and a century of oppression, hatred, and injustice."

Johnson's speech would go on to lay the groundwork for affirmative action policies in employment and education.

Johnson would also go on to sign an executive order requiring federal contractors to hire and promote women and minorities.