On March 15, 1965, President Lyndon Johnson addressed Congress urging passage of legislation guaranteeing voting rights for all. The speech was delivered eight days after racial violence erupted in Selma, Alabama. Civil rights leaders were attacked on a march from Selma to Montgomery to protest voting restrictions. TV news coverage of the event embarrassed the country and encouraged Congressional support. On August 6, 1965, Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act, making it illegal to prevent blacks from voting.
