You are right Lincoln and JFK were not crusaders of civil rights in the beginning.

“If I could save the Union, without freeing the slaves, I would do it. If I could do it by freeing some and leaving others alone, I would do that. What I do about slavery and the coloured race, I do because I believe it would help to save the Union.” Abraham Lincoln.

Lincoln’s friendship with Frederick Douglass definitely helped reshape his views of what a black person is and that they are as intelligent and human as any one else.

Lincoln did allow Douglass in White House to discuss his grievances which was very radical.

Kennedy wanted to remain President and feared the Civil Rights movement might end his chance for being elected and for reelection, especially because the Southern Dems.

Like Lincoln though, MLK and Kennedy also had a relationship definitely aided by Kings wife who called upon JFK when King was jailed. They did eventually have a friendship of respect and empathy.

I appreciate both men because they saw the world one way until they were introduced to another. Eventually, both men could not hide from the humanity they were introduced to and I appreciate that.