When Were Black People Allowed To Vote - A brief look at the history of voting rights for African Americans can reveal deep-seated discriminatory policies that have been in place for centuries. From the very beginning, people of color in America have had to fight for the right to vote. While the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a hallmark moment in the push for voting rights, the struggle continues today.
The Racist Origins of Felon Disenfranchisement
The New York Times
One of the most significant barriers to voting rights for African Americans is the practice of felon disenfranchisement. This policy serves to deny the right to vote to individuals who have been convicted of a felony. The racist origins of this policy can be traced back to the post-Civil War era when lawmakers in southern states were looking for ways to prevent freed slaves from participating in political life. Black codes, segregation, and a host of other discriminatory policies were put in place to ensure that African Americans were kept firmly in their place.
When Did African Americans Get the Right to Vote?
HISTORY
The right to vote is a cornerstone of democracy, but it was denied to African Americans for many years in the United States. Black people were not granted the right to vote until the ratification of the Fifteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1870. However, states in the South effectively nullified the amendment through the use of poll taxes, literacy tests, and other discriminatory policies. It wouldn't be until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that African Americans were finally able to exercise their right to vote without fear of discrimination.
Civil Rights Project
Unknown Source
The Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s was a pivotal moment in American history. African Americans and their allies took to the streets to demand an end to segregation, discrimination, and the denial of voting rights. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, and Rosa Parks became household names as their efforts helped to shift public opinion in favor of racial equality. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 were major victories for the movement, and they paved the way for further progress in the decades that followed.
History of Denying Black People the Vote Echoed in New Barriers
EJI
While progress has been made in the ongoing struggle for voting rights, new barriers to the ballot box continue to emerge. Efforts to suppress voting through restrictive voter ID laws, gerrymandering, and other tactics are a stark reminder that the fight for racial justice is far from over. In order to ensure that every citizen has access to the ballot box, we must remain vigilant and continue to push for a fair and just electoral system.
So what can you do to help ensure that all people have access to their right to vote? One simple step is to educate yourself about the history of voting rights and the ongoing struggle for equality. Speak out against discriminatory policies and support organizations that are working to protect voting rights. Volunteer your time to help register voters or serve as a poll worker. And most importantly, exercise your own right to vote and encourage others to do the same. Together, we can work towards a more just and equitable electoral system for all.
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