Segregation Now, Segregation Tomorrow, Segregation Forever
| Speaker: | George Wallace |
| Delivered On: | 1/14/1963 |
| Place: | Montgomery, AL |
| Subject: | Inaugural address |
| Audio/Video Available: | |
| Description: | Before being elected governor, Wallace was a member of the House of Representatives and also served as a Circuit Court judge. He started his political career as a moderate concerning racial issues; however, after speaking out against the KKK, he received far less support than his opponent, John Patterson. Due to the escalating Civil Rights movement, Alabamians felt that they were “under siege,” and wanted a leader that would uphold their extreme white-elite views. Wallace adopted that racism, and during his inaugural address, made the statement, “In the name of the greatest people that have ever trod this earth, I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny, and I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever.” |
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| Transcript/Log: |
In the name of the greatest people that have ever trod this earth, I draw the line in the dust and toss the gauntlet before the feet of tyranny and I say segregation now, segregation tomorrow, and segregation forever. Let us send this message back to Washington by our representatives who are here with us today, that from this day we are standing up and the heel of tyranny does not fit the neck of an upright man. That we intend to take the offensive and carry our fight for freedom across this nation, wielding the balance of power we know we possess in the south land. That we, not the insipid black voters of some sections, will determine in the next election who shall sit in the White House of these United States. |