James Miller Center: President Lyndon Johnson Signs 1964 Civil Rights Act

President Lyndon Johnson signing of the 1964 Civil Rights is one of the most important moments in American history. Because he signed a law that granted access to millions of Americans who were simply denied that access simply because of their race and for no other reason than that. And what it meant was that not only do all Americans have the same constitutional rights under law. But that they have to be enforced equally for all Americans. And if the states aren't willing to do that and leave Americans in the dark because of their race, than the Federal Government will step in and enforce those laws and rights for them.