What landmark legislation officially ended segregation in public places?

The Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the landmark legislation that officially ended segregation in public places. This Act was a significant milestone in the American civil rights movement, as it prohibited discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Specifically, Title II of the Act outlawed segregation in hotels, restaurants, and other public accommodations, ensuring that individuals had the right to access these places regardless of their racial background.

The significance of this legislation lies in its comprehensive approach to civil rights, as it not only addressed the issue of segregation but also laid the groundwork for further anti-discrimination laws. The Act was a response to the widespread injustices faced by African Americans and other minority groups, leading to a fundamental shift toward equality in American society.

Other related options do not address the issue of segregation directly in public places. The Voting Rights Act primarily focused on removing barriers to voting for African Americans. Brown v. Board of Education was a pivotal Supreme Court case that declared state laws establishing separate public schools for black and white students unconstitutional, but it did not address public accommodations. The Equal Rights Amendment aims to guarantee equal legal rights for all American citizens regardless of sex but is not directly related to the issue of segregation in public places.