2 Equals 12

2 Equals 12

Topic: Voter Registration

Voter registration has been one of the key issues in Black history as African Americans have fought for the right to vote and equal access to the voting process. Historically, Black individuals faced significant barriers to voter registration, including literacy tests, poll taxes, and intimidation tactics.

During the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s, voter registration drives were organized in Southern states to encourage and assist African Americans in registering to vote. Groups like the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) played significant roles in these efforts, often facing violent opposition from white supremacists.

The passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a major milestone in the fight for voter registration in Black history. This legislation prohibited discriminatory practices that had been used to disenfranchise African Americans, such as literacy tests and poll taxes, and provided federal oversight of election practices in states with a history of voter suppression.

Despite these advancements, voter registration continues to be an important issue in Black communities today. Voter suppression efforts, such as voter ID laws and gerrymandering, disproportionately affect African American voters and undermine their ability to participate in the democratic process. Organizations and activists continue to work to ensure equal access to voter registration for all citizens, regardless of race.