Final answer:
The Civil Rights Movement advanced through grassroots activism, key legislation, and government intervention, epitomized by the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which were monumental in eradicating segregation and discrimination.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contributions to Civil Rights
The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s is a testament to the power of grassroots activism and federal legislation working towards racial equality. Initiatives by local activists, pivotal civil rights legislation, and engagement from governmental institutions collectively contributed to the advancement of civil rights. The grassroots efforts by local activists, including campaigning and demonstrations, were instrumental in pushing the federal government to enact reforms. This was evident in the passing of landmark legislation such as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which outlawed government discrimination, segregation in public establishments, and prohibited discrimination in various sectors.
Significant civil rights achievements include the integration of schools, the prohibition of housing discrimination, and increased access to higher education. These accomplishments were made possible not only through the organized protests and marches but also through the enduring resistance by local communities. Influential figures such as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Thurgood Marshall, as well as numerous unnamed activists, played critical roles in effectuating change, signifying the importance of individual action in the success of the Civil Rights Movement.