Proclamation Against the Obstruction of Justice Signing Pen
Artifact IDMO 63.3935
Object Type
Pen
Date
1961-1963
Maker
Esterbrook Pen Company
(English, Founded 1856)
Place MadeUnited States, North America
Medium
metal; plastic
DimensionsOverall L 6 1/4 in (15.9 cm)
Physical DescriptionSteel nib pen with black plastic grip and translucent plastic handle. Written on handle is "The President - The White House". Pen was used by President John F. Kennedy to sign Proclamation 3542 - Unlawful Obstructions of Justice and Combinations in the State of Alabama on June 11, 1963, 7:40 pm.
Historical NoteProclamation 3542, titled "Unlawful Obstructions of Justice in the State of Alabama" was issued by President John F. Kennedy on June 11, 1963, in response to efforts by Alabama Governor George Wallace to block the desegregation of the University of Alabama.
On that day, Wallace stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama to physically block the entry of two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, who were attempting to enroll. Wallace was in strong opposition to desegregation of schools declaring "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever".
Following the proclamation, Kennedy issued Executive Order 11111, federalizing the Alabama National Guard. Under this order, the Guard removed Wallace, and allowed Malone and Hood to successfully enroll.
The proclamation was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and demonstrated that the federal government's willingness to enforce desegregation by direct intervention.
Additional DetailsOn that day, Wallace stood in the doorway of the University of Alabama to physically block the entry of two Black students, Vivian Malone and James Hood, who were attempting to enroll. Wallace was in strong opposition to desegregation of schools declaring "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever".
Following the proclamation, Kennedy issued Executive Order 11111, federalizing the Alabama National Guard. Under this order, the Guard removed Wallace, and allowed Malone and Hood to successfully enroll.
The proclamation was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and demonstrated that the federal government's willingness to enforce desegregation by direct intervention.
Custodial History NoteThis item is material associated with the White House the Kennedy Administration and the Executive Offices of the President. It was either government property or was donated to the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum by the Estate of President John F. Kennedy in 1965.
Credit LineJohn F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston, MA; Gift of the Estate of President John F. Kennedy
National Archives Catalog CollectionJohn F. Kennedy Library Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 1676934)
National Archives Catalog SeriesKennedy Administration Collection 1960-1963 (National Archives Identifier 1676959)
Use Restriction StatusUnrestrictedUse Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.In Collection(s)
Not on view