Bryan Cranston reads from LBJ speech ahead of Biden's visit to celebrate Civil Rights Act

American actor and filmmaker Bryan Cranston spoke at the celebration of the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 at the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library at the University of Texas.

The event at the venue that houses the artifacts and showcases the accomplishments of the president who signed the landmark legislation that ended the institutionalized segregation of the Jim Crow era comes after two previously scheduled appearances were postponed.

Among Monday's speakers are President Joe Biden and Mark K. Updegrove, President and CEO of the LBJ Library Foundation.

Who is Bryan Cranston?

Bryan Cranston is a renowned American actor known for his roles in television and film, such as "Breaking Bad," "Isle of Dogs," and most recently "Your Honor." He also interpreted Lyndon B. Johnson in the 2016 biographical drama television film "All the Way."

Why was Bryan Cranston in Austin?

Bryan Cranston was invited to read an excerpt from President Johnson’s speech delivered on the radio upon signing the Civil Rights Act of 1964 on July 2. The speech was delivered just two days before the 188th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. In it, the president cited the phrase “all men are created equal” and pointed out that historically, many Americans were denied equal treatment.

In the speech, Johnson said the Civil Rights Act provides that “those who are equal before God shall now all be equal” in all aspects of American life.

Watch: Bryan Cranston reads excerpt from LBJ's speech

After a short film on Presidential Remarks on Civil Rights and a heartfelt music performance by the Houston-Tillotson University Concert Choir, Cranston proceeded with his interpretation of LBJ's speech.

"We believe that all men are created equal. Yet many are denied equal treatment. We believe that all men have certain unalienable rights. Yet many Americans do not enjoy those rights," Cranston recited, "We believe that all men are entitled to the blessings of liberty. Yet millions are being deprived of those blessings. Not because of their own failures, but because of the color of their skin."

In the speech, Cranston recited the words that emphasize that the issues addressed by the Civil Rights Act are rooted in deep historical and human factors. The speech acknowledges that while we can understand the origins of these issues without bitterness, they must not persist.

"The purpose of this law is simple; it does not restrict the freedom of any American, so long as he respects the rights of others," the actor recited.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bryan Cranston reads LBJ speech excerpt ahead of Biden's Austin visit