Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on July 2, 1964, the act fulfilled the promise of civil rights legislation that John F. Kennedy had made the year prior.

The sweeping legislation outlawed discrimination in public accommodations, provided for public school integration and established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. 

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Carleigh Knight (left) and her sister, Natalie Rogovin, look at Christmas ornaments while shopping at Kudzu Antiques + Modern in Decatur on Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2025. (Natrice Miller/AJC)

Credit: Natrice Miller