The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation in Black history that aimed to overcome barriers at the state and local levels that denied African Americans the right to vote. Prior to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, many African Americans faced discriminatory practices such as literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation that effectively prevented them from exercising their right to vote.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 prohibited these discriminatory practices and sought to enforce the 15th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which granted African Americans the right to vote. The Act authorized the federal government to oversee voter registration and voting practices in areas with a history of systemic racism and voter suppression.

As a result of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, millions of African Americans were able to register to vote and participate in the electoral process, leading to a significant increase in Black voter turnout and political representation. The Act was a critical milestone in the Civil Rights Movement and has been instrumental in advancing voting rights and combating racial discrimination in the United States.