One of the most trivial moments in African-American history was one that would impact race relations within the American political system for years to come. Six hundred marchers responded to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s call to a peaceful protest in hopes of passing voting rights legislation. Activists and American citizens confidently marched en route to Montgomery but were met by Alabama State troopers armed with teargas, batons, and billy clubs. Over fifty people were injured and many reported dead after the fateful events of what became known as “Bloody Sunday” (foxnews.com) After nationwide uproar, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965 (VRA) into law with the purpose of prohibiting racial discrimination. Unfortunately, the ultimate goal of abolishing racial discrimination in politics has yet to be achieved. Over four decades later, America is still struggling in creating a positive relation between people of color and voting.
Many consider the act to be the turning point for African-American civil rights. Black people were finally protected and were given a say in the governing of their nation. What many don’t know is that the law requires frequent reauthorization, meaning the Voting Rights Act isn’t exactly permanent (NAACP).
Startling news — the protections regarding one’s right to vote actually expires! Original reauthorization was extended in 1970, 1975, 1982, and again in 2007 (justice.gov). The provisions allow for the government to approve new voting procedures in areas with historical discrimination; however, there is also room to abolish provisions. Some believe such provisions are outdated, “Bull Connor is dead and so is every Jim Crow era-segregationist intent on keeping blacks from the polls” argued Edward J. Blum. If only this were true. The harsh reality is that previous tactics to dissuade people of color from voting have only been replaced with “new generation tactics.”
There has and continues to be “a sustained effort to suppress the black vote” throughout our nation’s history (baltimoresun.com). Historic discrepancies included the implication of high poll taxes, literacy tests, grandfather clauses, and acts of violence as intimidation tactics. Current people of color or those with lower income face modern intimidation such as annexation, last minute poll changes, and redistricting. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, there are voter ID laws in 30 states. Poor people are less likely to have photo IDs and black people are disproportionately poor. It seems as though the rule is a direct threat toward a large portion of the African-American community.
It is quite alarming to know that the next hearing on the Voting Rights Act of 1965 rests on the president and Congress that have yet to be put into place. This is just one of many reasons why it is important to cast your vote and make informed decisions when becoming educated on policies and politics.
It is assumed that the debate over certain provisions will continue into history. If there is one positive outcome regarding the seemingly depressing topic of race and disadvantages in the current political system it’s that “we aren’t going to lose the right to vote, but we can lose critical protections that have allowed us to participate fully in the political process (The Guardian). It’s not exactly something to take comfort in, but the likelihood of actually losing such protection is enough to cause worry. “Without the Voting Rights Act and the provisions set to expire, the 15th Amendment would’ve continued to be a dead letter” (Associated Press).
References:
The Guardian, NAACP warns black and Hispanic Americans could lose right to vote
Fox News, 1965 Voting Rights Provisions to Expire
The Department of Justice, U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division
Voting Section
The Baltimore Sun, With its Voting Rights Threatened, Black America is Silent
Interesting Articles for Further Research:
Daniel P. Takaji – The New Vote Denial: Where Election Reform Meets the Voting Rights Act
Constitutional Rights Foundation – Race and Voting in the Segregated South
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