The Source Magazine pays tribute The Civil Rights Act of 1964, which was signed into law 50 years ago today.
Fifty years ago today, The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed into law which outlaws discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in The United States of America. Originally drafted by President John F. Kennedy, the bill was put into motion and signed by his successor, Lyndon Johnson after his assassination in 1963.
“We have talked long enough in this country about equal rights. We have talked for one hundred years or more. It is time now to write the next chapter, and to write it in the books of law.” – President Lyndon Johnson
Although racial tension did not immediately dissolve, the law established itself as a monumental part of American history and marked the end of a painful era. Civil rights activist such as Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Andrew Young, Medgar Evers, Rosa Parks, Ruby Bridges,Jesse Jackson, Fannie Lou Hamer, and many more fought for the equality that America embraces and is known for today.
Chairman of The NorthStar Group, and our very own owner & publisher, L. Londell McMillan Esq. shares his thoughts on the 50th anniversary and explains why the act was monumental to him,
“We owe a large debt to those courageous people who paved the way and helped pass laws like The Civil Rights Act of 1964, to benefit America and generations to follow for advancements of all races and cultures.”
To celebrate the anniversary, we have compiled some interesting facts about The Civil Rights Movement, to educate and remind our readers about this day in history:
- Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. met for the first and only time during a Senate debate on The Civil Rights Act
- The March on Washington led by Dr. King was the largest gathering of it’s kind
- The Civil Rights act did not just protect African-Americans, but all people of The United States
- More Republicans voted in favor of The Civil Rights Act than Democrats
- Martin Luther King Jr. was present during the signing of The Civil Rights act in 1964
-@aaraholtzclaw
