Vintage cover of Life magazine’s souvenir edition commemorating Kennedy’s inauguration, 8.25 x 11, signed and inscribed on the front cover in black ink, “For Mr. Joseph Clark with very best wishes, John Kennedy.” Cloth-matted and framed with the entire printed text of Kennedy’s inaugural speech, taken from inside the magazine, a portrait of Kennedy giving his speech, and a plaque bearing his famous quote from the closing of the speech to an overall size of 27 x 34. In very good condition, with some irregular ink adhesion and brushing to portions of inscription, Kennedy’s signature light, but legible, and some dampstaining to cover. Accompanied by a full letter of authenticity from PSA/DNA.
After three years working together in the Senate, John F. Kennedy and his liberal Democratic colleague from Pennsylvania, Joseph S. Clark, Jr., continued their push for civil rights, highlighting the issue as a major part of Kennedy’s presidential campaign. Endorsing new legislation—to extend voting rights, end discrimination in education and housing, and establish the Fair Employment Practices Commission, among other things—Kennedy announced during his campaign that Clark and Congressman Emanuel Celler had agreed to prepare a comprehensive civil rights bill ‘embodying the commitments of the Democratic platform,’ to be introduced early in the next congressional session. One of the key issues in Kennedy’s campaign, it helped him win the presidency in 1960. Inscribing this historic Life magazine—holding his legendary call to action, ‘Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country’—to his longtime supporter and colleague who shared in his mission for civil rights, this is an excellent piece with a notable association.
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