The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation that aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. The act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965, following years of civil rights activism led by African American leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. and organizations like the NAACP.

The Voting Rights Act prohibited literacy tests, poll taxes, and other discriminatory practices that had been used to disenfranchise African Americans. It also authorized federal oversight of voter registration in areas with a history of voter suppression, particularly in the Southern states.

The impact of the Voting Rights Act was profound, as it led to a significant increase in African American voter registration and turnout. The act played a key role in empowering African Americans to participate more fully in the political process and elect officials who represented their interests.

Despite its historic significance, the Voting Rights Act has faced challenges in recent years, particularly following the Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder in 2013, which struck down key provisions of the act. Efforts to restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act continue to be important in the fight for voting rights and racial justice in America.