1964 Civil Rights Act
—Benjamin Zelenko, May 29, 2014
Counsel, House Committee on the Judiciary
Video
Emanuel Celler of New York
House Judiciary Committee counsel Benjamin Zelenko remembers his mentor, Emanuel Celler of New York.
William McCulloch of Ohio
Benjamin Zelenko describes Judiciary Committee Ranking Member William McCulloch of Ohio.
RFK Testifies
A memory of the first testimony of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy on the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Roland Libonati of Illinois
Judiciary counsel Benjamin Zelenko remembers a moment that almost killed the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
The Southern General
Benjamin Zelenko remembers the tactics of the Southern Democrats, led by Rules Committee Chairman Howard Smith of Virginia.
"The Managers Have No Objection"
Benjamin Zelenko remembers a personal moment during the floor debate on the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
The Importance of Civil Rights Legislation
Why the civil rights legislation of the 1960s saved America.
The Civil Rights Act and the 1964 Election
Representative Dingell discusses how his vote for the Civil Rights Act of 1964 played out in the 1964 primary election against Representative John Lesinski and subsequently the general election.
The Most Important Vote
On his most important vote as a Congressman.
Audio
Voting My Conscience
Representative Paul Findley of Illinois talks about the reaction in his district to his vote in favor of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
A Letter to Republicans
Representative Paul Findley of Illinois recounts a letter he wrote to fellow Republicans during the debate on the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Advice from Representative Bill McCulloch
Representative Paul Findley of Illinois remembers advice from colleague Representative Bill McCulloch of Ohio.
Chairman Emanuel Celler's Strategy
Robert Kimball describes Judiciary Chairman Emanuel Celler of New York's strategy for passing the Civil Rights Act in committee.
Consequences of Support
Robert Kimball recounts the political price of the Civil Rights Act for Republican Leader Charles Halleck of Indiana.
The Harris Amendment Debate
Robert Kimball recounts a dramatic moment during the floor debate on the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Representative Bill McCulloch: Part One
Robert Kimball remembers Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Bill McCulloch of Ohio.
Representative Bill McCulloch: Part Two
Robert Kimball remembers Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Bill McCulloch of Ohio.
Memories of Representative Howard Smith
Robert Kimball describes the chairman of the House Rules Committee, Representative Howard W. Smith of Virginia.
The House Moves First
Benjamin Zelenko explains why the House moved before the Senate on the civil rights bill.
Subcommittee No. 5
Benjamin Zelenko describes the jurisdiction and composition of Subcommittee No. 5.
The Importance of Committee Hearings
Benjamin Zelenko explains the rationale behind holding committee hearings.
The Balancing Act
Benjamin Zelenko recounts the delicate position of trying to move on the civil rights bill while keeping key players happy.