John F. Kennedy's role in the civil rights movement was significant but complex. Initially, his administration was cautious in addressing civil rights issues, as Kennedy sought to maintain support from Southern Democrats. However, the increasing momentum of the movement and widespread demonstrations, particularly in 1963, pushed him to take a firmer stance.
In June 1963, Kennedy delivered a landmark speech in which he called civil rights a "moral issue" and advocated for comprehensive civil rights legislation. His administration also took steps to support the movement, including providing federal protection for civil rights activists and enforcing desegregation in schools. Ultimately, Kennedy’s efforts laid the groundwork for the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was signed into law posthumously after his assassination in November 1963. His legacy in civil rights is viewed as a critical, albeit gradual, shift toward greater federal involvement in the struggle for racial equality.