jul 6, 1965 - Voting Rights Act of 1965
Description:
The Voting Rights Act of 1965, widely considered the most effective piece of federal civil rights legislation in the country (although it was eventually made unenforcable by Shelby County v. Holder), secures the right for racial minorities (especially African Americans) to vote, especially in the south. THe act includes: nationwide voting rights protections, prohibiting state and local governments from imposing discriminatory laws and outlawing literacy tests (a common way to bar minorities from voting).Added to timeline:
Date:
jul 6, 1965
Now
~ 61 years ago