2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Black Voting Rights

Historically, Black voting rights in the United States have been a long and hard-fought battle. Following the Civil War and the passage of the 15th Amendment in 1870, which granted Black men the right to vote, there were still numerous obstacles in place that disenfranchised Black voters.

Southern states implemented poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation tactics to prevent Black Americans from voting. The Jim Crow laws enforced racial segregation, further marginalizing Black voters. It wasn't until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed that significant steps were taken to dismantle these discriminatory practices.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited states from imposing restrictions on a person's ability to vote based on race or color. It also authorized federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of voter suppression. This legislation was a pivotal moment in the Civil Rights Movement and paved the way for greater political participation among Black Americans.

Despite the progress made with the Voting Rights Act, voter suppression tactics continue to exist today, such as voter ID laws and gerrymandering. Efforts to protect voting rights and ensure equal access to the ballot box remain a key issue in the fight for racial equality in the United States.