The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of legislation in Black history that aimed to overcome legal barriers, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, 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 a long and hard-fought civil rights movement.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 outlawed discriminatory voting practices that had been used to disenfranchise African American voters, particularly in Southern states. It provided federal oversight of election practices in jurisdictions with a history of racial discrimination, requiring them to obtain federal approval before making any changes to their voting laws.

The impact of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was profound, as it led to a significant increase in Black voter registration and turnout, helping to pave the way for African Americans to have greater representation in government at all levels. The act is considered one of the most important pieces of civil rights legislation in American history and played a crucial role in the ongoing struggle for equality and justice for Black Americans.