Black History Month is for ALL Americans. For the rest of the month, Scientifically Speaking will publish Black History facts daily around African American Scientists and Engineers (after today). The important thing is to make sure the celebration continues year round! Do your research and pass it on.

February 10, 1964 – The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The bill prohibited any state or local government or public facility from denying access to anyone because of race or ethnic origin. It further gave the U.S. Attorney General the power to bring school desegregation law suits. The bill also allowed the federal government the power to cut off federal funds to companies or states who discriminated. It forbade labor organizations or interstate commercial companies from discriminating against workers due to race or ethnic origins. Lastly, the federal government could compile records of denial of voting rights. President Lyndon Johnson signed the legislation on July 2, 1964.