The Voting Rights Act of 1965 is a landmark piece of federal legislation in United States 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 Constitution.

The Act was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson on August 6, 1965, following a long and hard-fought struggle by civil rights activists and leaders. It prohibited racial discrimination in voting, including literacy tests and poll taxes, and authorized federal oversight of elections in states with a history of voter suppression.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 had a significant impact on Black political participation, leading to a dramatic increase in African American voter registration and turnout. It played a crucial role in ensuring that African Americans and other marginalized groups could exercise their fundamental right to vote and have a voice in the democratic process.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was later amended and expanded to address new forms of discrimination and voter suppression. However, in recent years, key provisions of the Act have been weakened or struck down by the Supreme Court, leading to renewed efforts to protect voting rights for all Americans, particularly people of color.