Black History: Civil Rights Act of 1964

February 10 - 1964, After 10 days of debate and voting on 125 amendments, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by a vote of 290-130. It was not a law yet but merely passed to the senate. On June 19, 1964, the bill was passed by the Senate (73-27), approved by both houses of Congress, and signed into law on July 2, 1964. The bill prohibited any state or local government or public facility from denying access to anyone because of race or ethnic origin.