The Voting Rights Act of 1965 was a landmark piece of legislation in Black history that aimed to overcome legal barriers at the state and local levels that prevented African Americans from exercising their right to vote. This act outlawed discriminatory voting practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes, which were often used to disenfranchise Black voters.

In the years following the passage of the Voting Rights Act, there have been several amendments to the legislation to further protect voting rights for all citizens, including African Americans. One significant amendment was the Voting Rights Act Amendment of 1975, which expanded the protections of the original act and further addressed discriminatory voting practices.

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 and its subsequent amendments have played a crucial role in ensuring equal access to the voting booth for African Americans and other marginalized communities. These laws have been instrumental in combating voter suppression and upholding the democratic principles of equality and representation for all Americans.