The Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a landmark piece of legislation in the United States that aimed to end racial segregation and discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Enacted on July 2, 1964, the law was a significant milestone in the American civil rights movement. It outlawed racial segregation in public places and facilities, such as schools, restaurants, hotels, and theaters, as well as in employment practices. The act also established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to enforce the prohibition of employment discrimination. Additionally, it withheld federal funding from programs and entities that practiced racial segregation. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 marked a crucial step forward in advancing civil rights and equal opportunities for all citizens, regardless of their background, and has since become a cornerstone of the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the United States.