Signed into law by President Johnson, the act declares that: "discrimination based on 'race, color, religion, or national origin' in public establishments (hotels, motels, trailer parks, restaurants, gas stations, bars, taverns, and places of entertainment) that has a connection to interstate commerce or is supported by the state is prohibited."

King attends the signing ceremony of the 1964 civil rights act. President Lyndon Johnson gives King a pen.