Which civil rights legislation prohibits racial discrimination in the context of real estate?

The Civil Rights Act of 1866 is a landmark piece of legislation that specifically prohibits racial discrimination in the context of real estate, particularly concerning the ownership, leasing, and conveyance of property. This act was one of the earliest federal civil rights laws and made it clear that all citizens have the same rights in terms of property ownership without regard to race. It laid the groundwork for subsequent civil rights legislation and established a crucial legal foundation for combating racial injustice in housing.

While the other options represent important civil rights laws, they do not specifically focus on real estate in the same context. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 addresses broader issues of discrimination in various areas, including employment, education, and public accommodations, but it does not specifically target real estate. The Fair Housing Act, enacted in 1968, specifically addresses discrimination in housing based on various factors, including race, but it builds upon the foundation laid by the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Finally, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act, while crucial in addressing discrimination in lending practices, does not directly prohibit discrimination in real estate transactions themselves. Thus, the Civil Rights Act of 1866 is the correct answer as it specifically and directly addresses racial discrimination in real estate.