Legislation was very important in promoting racial equality in the United States during the 20th century, especially during the Civil Rights Movement. Here are some key points to understand:

1. Civil Rights Act of 1964:

   • This important law stopped discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or where you come from.
   • It put an end to segregation in public places and stopped unfair treatment in jobs.

2. Voting Rights Act of 1965:

   • This law aimed to remove obstacles that kept African Americans from voting.
   • It made literacy tests illegal and allowed the federal government to watch elections in places where unfair practices had happened before.

3. Role of Important Leaders:

   • Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Malcolm X helped bring communities together and spread the word about racial unfairness.
   • Their hard work was key in making these important changes in laws happen.

4. Important Supreme Court Decisions:

   • Cases like Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 decided that segregated schools were not allowed, which helped to inspire the movement.

These laws didn't just change rules; they changed how people thought and lived. They helped create a more accepting society. The civil rights laws built a strong base that still shapes talks about equality today.