Eartha Kitt Questions President Johnson at Luncheon

In this photograph, taken by Kevin Smith on January 18, 1968, American singer and actress Eartha Kitt questions President Lyndon B. Johnson during a "Women Doers" luncheon hosted by First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Mrs. Johnson hosted the luncheon series to encourage discussion of the roles women could take to address various social issues. The topic for the January 18 luncheon was "Crime on the Streets." Kitt, who was invited to speak at the luncheon due to her work with at-risk youth, defended anti-Vietnam War protestors and spoke critically on President Johnson's policies regarding taxes, social welfare, and childcare. Due to her remarks, Kitt faced media backlash and career repercussions that lasted several decades.