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President John F. Kennedy, a number of significant civil

rights laws were passed from 1957 through 1968 and
beyond. These include:

- The Civil Rights Act of 1957 28, 29 : The first such
legislation since 1868 was to protect voting rights of

minorities. This legislation passed both the US House
and Senate bodies with 90% yea votes from

Republicans, and a mere 49% yea votes from
Democrats.

30
- The Civil Rights Act of 1960 : Protects the integrity of
voting and enforce non-discriminatory voter

registration. This Bill passed congress having received
91% yea votes from congressional Republicans, and

only 62% yea votes from Democrats.

- “Affirmative Action” was another very significant Civil
Rights advancement that was achieved during
Reverend King’s ministry. This policy began in March

1961 when President John F. Kennedy issued the first
directive that required “Affirmative Action” in

employment hiring practices across all government
agencies and contractors. President Kennedy’s

executive initiative was significantly enhanced and
strengthened under the Lyndon B. Johnson Presidency.

These directives have since been amended by virtually
every President since. While Affirmative Action has

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