The primary figure behind the American Civil Rights Act of 1964 was President Lyndon B. Johnson. After the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, Johnson—who had been a strong advocate for civil rights—pushed for this landmark legislation to honor Kennedy’s legacy. The Act prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin and aimed to end segregation in schools, workplaces, and public accommodations. This comprehensive piece of legislation was a major milestone in the Civil Rights Movement and helped dismantle institutionalized racial discrimination, paving the way for greater equality and social justice in America.