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JFK
President John F. Kennedy's assassination is an unforgettable part of Dallas' history.Nearly 54 years later, scholars and enthusiasts alike are still processing details from that fateful drive through Dealey Plaza now that the remaining investigation files have been unsealed. For the 50th anniversary in 2013, KERA produced special stories and reports from the commemoration:The 50th: Remembering John F. Kennedy was KERA's live, two-hour special covering the official commemoration event at Dealey Plaza in Dallas on Nov. 22, 2013. Hosted by Krys Boyd and Shelley Kofler, the special includes reports from KERA reporters before the ceremony begins. Listen to the special here.Bells tolled across the city, and the event featured historian David McCullough, who read from Kennedy’s presidential speeches; Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings; religious leaders; the U.S. Naval Academy Men’s Glee Club; and a moment of silence. Read highlights from the event from KERA's live blog from that day.Throughout the month, KERA posted an online series called 22 Days In November, which takes a closer look at that fateful day, what it meant to the country and how it affected Dallas.We shared stories and memories in a series called “JFK Voices.” Explore our archives below.

Continuing With Tradition (Sort Of), Austinite Fist-Bumps The President

@dougmillsnyt
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Doug Mills of the New York Times shared this photo of the fist-bumping duo on Twitter.

The fist bump heard around the Twittersphere has quite the story and something of a legacy behind it.

President Obama made several stops in Texas last week; first to Dallas for a fundraiser and to discuss immigrant children on the border, then on to Austin to raise money ... and eat smoked meat.

It was at the legendary Franklin Barbecue that the President encountered Daniel Rugg Webb – an occasional cross-dresser and part-time Franklin employee.

Webb was not wearing his favorite sequined dress that day, but still wanted to get the president’s attention. According to the Austin Chronicle, as the commander-in-chief approached to place his order, Webb slapped the counter and said, “Equal rights for gay people!”

The president asked, “Are you gay?”

Webb replied, “Only when I have sex.”

By the way, Webb is also a stand-up comedian. He told the Chronicle that the President laughed and said, "Bump me." Then the fists came out.

Webb was carrying on a family tradition. He says his mother shook hands with John F. Kennedy in Fort Worth the morning he was assassinated. 

Former KERA staffer Krystina Martinez was an assistant producer. She produced local content for Morning Edition and KERANews.org. She also produced The Friday Conversation, a weekly series of conversations with North Texas newsmakers. Krystina was also the backup newscaster for the Texas Standard.