Major Civil Rights Legislation to Know for African American History – 1865 to Present

Major civil rights legislation has shaped the fight for equality in America, especially for African Americans. Key amendments and acts laid the groundwork for citizenship, voting rights, and protection against discrimination, reflecting the ongoing struggle for civil liberties since 1865.

1. 13th Amendment (1865)

   • Abolished slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States.
   • Provided a constitutional foundation for future civil rights legislation.
   • Allowed for exceptions in cases of punishment for crimes.

2. 14th Amendment (1868)

   • Granted citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the U.S., including former slaves.
   • Ensured equal protection under the law and due process for all citizens.
   • Addressed issues of representation and voting rights in the context of former Confederate states.

3. 15th Amendment (1870)

   • Prohibited the federal and state governments from denying a citizen the right to vote based on "race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
   • Aimed to secure voting rights for African American men.
   • Faced significant resistance and led to the implementation of discriminatory practices like literacy tests and poll taxes.

4. Civil Rights Act of 1866

   • Affirmed the citizenship rights of African Americans and aimed to protect them from discriminatory laws.
   • Allowed federal enforcement of civil rights in states.
   • Established penalties for those who violated the rights of citizens.

5. Civil Rights Act of 1875

   • Guaranteed African Americans equal treatment in public accommodations and jury service.
   • Sought to eliminate racial discrimination in public spaces.
   • Ultimately declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in 1883, weakening its impact.

6. Civil Rights Act of 1957

   • Established the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights to investigate civil rights violations.
   • Aimed to protect African American voting rights, though enforcement was limited.
   • Marked the first civil rights legislation since Reconstruction.

7. Civil Rights Act of 1960

   • Strengthened protections for voting rights and established penalties for obstructing voting.
   • Required federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of discrimination.
   • Aimed to address the shortcomings of the 1957 Act.

8. Civil Rights Act of 1964

   • Prohibited discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin in employment and public accommodations.
   • Established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce anti-discrimination laws.
   • A landmark piece of legislation that significantly advanced civil rights.

9. Voting Rights Act of 1965

   • Aimed to eliminate barriers to voting for African Americans, particularly in the South.
   • Prohibited literacy tests and other discriminatory practices.
   • Provided for federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of discrimination.

10. Fair Housing Act of 1968

    • Prohibited discrimination in housing based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
    • Aimed to combat racial segregation in housing markets.
    • Established mechanisms for individuals to file complaints against discriminatory practices.

11. Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972

    • Expanded the powers of the EEOC to enforce anti-discrimination laws in employment.
    • Allowed for the filing of complaints against employers for discriminatory practices.
    • Strengthened protections for women and minorities in the workplace.

12. Voting Rights Act Amendments of 1982

    • Extended the special provisions of the Voting Rights Act for 25 more years.
    • Made it easier for individuals to prove cases of voting discrimination.
    • Aimed to address ongoing issues of racial discrimination in voting.

13. Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1987

    • Restored the ability of federal agencies to withhold funds from institutions that discriminated.
    • Clarified that civil rights protections applied to all programs receiving federal funding.
    • Strengthened enforcement mechanisms for civil rights laws.

14. Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990

    • Prohibited discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life.
    • Required reasonable accommodations in the workplace and public spaces.
    • Aimed to ensure equal access and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

15. Civil Rights Act of 1991

    • Provided for the right to trial by jury in cases of intentional employment discrimination.
    • Allowed for the recovery of compensatory and punitive damages in cases of discrimination.
    • Strengthened protections against workplace discrimination and retaliation.