Obama Marks 50th Anniversary Of Civil Rights Act

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — A half-century after the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, President Barack Obama says the nation is still "locked in the same great debate about equality and opportunity and the role of government."

Obama traveled today to Austin, Texas, to mark the anniversary of the civil rights legislation that was championed by President Lyndon Johnson.

He said Johnson understood like few others the power of government to bring about change. And he said as the first black president, he had benefited from Johnson's efforts.

The landmark law ended racial discrimination in public places.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.