Members of Congress, outraged by the events at Selma, forty times interrupted his address with applause. Johnson closed by raising his thumbs, fists clenched, and proclaiming, Their cause must be our cause, too. Because it is not just Negroes, but really all of us who must overcome the crippling legacy of bigotry and injustice. And, we shall . . . overcome.
During a speech, members of Congress expressed their strong support and outrage over the events at Selma by interrupting him with applause forty times. This demonstrated their collective concern and the significance of the civil rights struggle at that moment.
At the conclusion of his address, President Johnson raised his thumbs, clenched his fists, and emphasized unity by stating, "Their cause must be our cause, too." He highlighted that overcoming the legacies of bigotry and injustice is a collective effort for all Americans, affirming his belief that they will ultimately succeed in their fight for equality.
