Topic: 15th Amendment
The 15th Amendment to the United States Constitution was ratified on February 3, 1870. It granted African American men the right to vote, stating that the "right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."
The amendment was a significant milestone in Black history as it sought to ensure that African Americans could participate in the democratic process and have a say in the governance of the country. However, despite the passage of the 15th Amendment, many states implemented discriminatory practices such as poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation tactics to prevent Black men from exercising their right to vote.
It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that many of these barriers were dismantled, allowing for greater African American participation in the electoral process. The 15th Amendment remains a key component of Black history and a reminder of the ongoing struggle for voting rights and racial equality in the United States.