Equality means every individual has equal opportunities. Historically, certain groups of people, African Americans, have been denied of their rights as Americans. The Voting Rights of 1965, a law passed, elimated literacy test that restricted African Americans from voting. In Lydon B. Johnson speech ¨ The American Promise¨ ,Johnson is making an effort to have equality among white and black in society. He explains that blacks have been restricted from their rights and wants the majority to vote for him to allow equal voting rights for all citizens. Johnsons use of allusions , connative diction and rhetorical appeals throughout the speech develops the idea that equality needs to be demonstrated and the need for voting rights act to be passed