60th Anniversary of Civil Rights Act of 1964

On the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, events nationwide commemorate the landmark legislation that outlawed discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, and national origin. The Morgantown Public Library hosts a celebration featuring local civil rights activists and a graphic novel exhibit detailing West Virginia's contributions to the movement. The law, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, was a pivotal moment in ending segregation and advancing equality. Despite significant progress, civil rights leaders like Courtland Cox and Martin Luther King III warn that recent court rulings threaten to undermine these gains. The DNC emphasizes continued vigilance against efforts to roll back these protections, particularly by figures like Donald Trump. Reflecting on the act's history, experts highlight the strategic boycotts and public demonstrations that pressured lawmakers to enact change.