Black voting rights have been a significant issue throughout Black history in the United States. Following the Civil War and the passage of the 15th Amendment in 1870, which prohibited denying individuals the right to vote based on race, color, or previous condition of servitude, Black Americans began exercising their right to vote.

However, despite the legal protections afforded by the 15th Amendment, Black voting rights were systematically suppressed through various means such as literacy tests, poll taxes, grandfather clauses, and intimidation tactics like violence and threats. These discriminatory practices were used to prevent Black Americans from participating in the electoral process, particularly in the Southern states.

It wasn't until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s that significant progress was made in securing and protecting Black voting rights. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to eliminate barriers to Black voter registration and participation. The act prohibited discriminatory practices that had been used to disenfranchise Black voters and provided federal oversight of voting practices in areas with a history of voter suppression.

Since the Voting Rights Act was passed, there have been ongoing efforts to protect and expand Black voting rights, including challenges to voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and other voter suppression tactics. Despite these challenges, Black Americans have continued to make strides in exercising their right to vote and have played a crucial role in shaping the political landscape of the United States.