The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation in U.S. Black history that aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels 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 is considered one of the most significant achievements of the civil rights movement.

The Voting Rights Act banned literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory voting practices that were used to disenfranchise Black voters. It also authorized federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of racial discrimination in voting. This federal oversight was a critical tool in ensuring that African Americans could exercise their right to vote without facing discrimination or intimidation.

The Voting Rights Act had a profound impact on American democracy, dramatically increasing voter participation among African Americans and other minority groups. It helped pave the way for the election of more Black representatives to office and increased political power for Black communities across the country.

In 2013, the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder invalidated a key provision of the Voting Rights Act, which required certain states and local jurisdictions with a history of voter discrimination to obtain federal approval before making changes to their voting laws. This decision sparked renewed efforts to protect voting rights and combat voter suppression, particularly in communities of color.

Overall, the Voting Rights Act of 1965 remains a powerful legislative legacy in the ongoing struggle for racial equality and justice in the United States.