The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation in the Civil Rights Movement that aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. Prior to the passing of the Voting Rights Act, many African Americans were systematically disenfranchised through tactics such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation.

The Voting Rights Act, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965, aimed to put an end to these discriminatory practices and ensure that all citizens, regardless of race, had equal access to the voting booth. The Act banned literacy tests and provided federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of discrimination.

The Voting Rights Act had a profound impact on Black political participation, leading to a significant increase in African American voter registration and turnout. It also paved the way for a new generation of Black elected officials at the local, state, and national levels.

Despite its successes, the Voting Rights Act has faced challenges in recent years, particularly with the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder in 2013, which struck down key provisions of the Act. Voting rights advocates continue to push for legislation to protect and strengthen voting rights for all Americans, including measures to combat voter suppression and ensure access to the ballot box.