The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation in Black history in the United States. It was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson during the civil rights movement and aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented Black Americans from exercising their right to vote as guaranteed by the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

The Voting Rights Act prohibited discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and other barriers that were used to disenfranchise Black voters. It also authorized federal oversight of elections in states with a history of voter discrimination, primarily in the southern states.

The Voting Rights Act had a significant impact on increasing voter registration and political participation among Black Americans, leading to a more diverse and representative democracy. It was instrumental in breaking down systemic barriers to voting and ensuring that all citizens have equal access to the ballot box.

The Voting Rights Act has faced challenges and changes over the years, including a key provision being struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013. However, it remains a crucial piece of legislation in the ongoing fight for voting rights and racial equality in the United States.