The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation in Black history that sought to overcome legal barriers that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed by the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965, and aimed to eliminate discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation, which were used to disenfranchise Black voters.

The Voting Rights Act empowered the federal government to oversee and enforce voting rights in states with a history of racial discrimination in voting, particularly in the southern states. Section 5 of the Act required these states to obtain federal approval before making any changes to their voting laws or practices to ensure they did not discriminate against minority voters.

The Voting Rights Act had a significant impact on increasing Black voter registration and turnout, as well as diversifying elected officials at all levels of government. It played a crucial role in advancing the Civil Rights Movement and empowering African Americans to have a greater voice in shaping their communities and influencing public policies.

Although the Voting Rights Act was a major legislative achievement, its effectiveness has been challenged in recent years with the Supreme Court's decision to strike down key provisions in 2013. Efforts to restore and strengthen the Act continue to be a critical issue in protecting voting rights for all Americans, especially Black voters who have historically faced barriers to full political participation.