The Civil Rights Movement was an important time in U.S. history. It focused on ending unfair laws that kept people of different races separated, especially in the Southern states. Here are three major laws that made a big difference:

1. Civil Rights Act of 1964:

   • This important law aimed to stop unfair treatment based on race, color, religion, gender, or where someone is from.
   • It made it illegal to separate people in schools, workplaces, and public places.
   • Before this law, African Americans weren't allowed in certain restaurants and theaters. After the law passed, these places had to serve everyone equally, no matter their race.

2. Voting Rights Act of 1965:

   • Following the Civil Rights Movement, this law worked to remove obstacles that prevented African Americans from voting, especially in the South.
   • It banned unfair practices like literacy tests that kept Black people from registering to vote.
   • For example, in Alabama, the number of registered Black voters rose from about 10% in 1964 to over 50% by 1967. This showed how the law helped people use their voting rights.

3. Fair Housing Act of 1968:

   • This law aimed to stop discrimination in housing and provided protection for people, no matter their race, color, religion, or where they come from.
   • One important issue it tackled was "redlining," where minority communities were denied loans just because of their race, making it hard for them to buy homes.

While these laws didn't wipe out racism right away, they created a legal way to fight against Jim Crow laws. They empowered individuals and groups to stand up for their rights in court and required public places and businesses to treat everyone fairly. Over time, these laws helped bring more attention and support for civil rights issues across the country.

In summary, important laws during the Civil Rights Movement, like the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Fair Housing Act of 1968, not only challenged Jim Crow laws legally but also helped change society towards equality.