Tuesday, January 20, 2009
The Avoice Virtual Library congratulates President Barack Obama on his inauguration as 44th President of the United States of America. President Obama’s campaign inspired millions of Americans to register to vote and to get involved in their country’s political process in many other ways.
The historic increase in African American voter registration and turnout for the 2008 presidential election would not have been possible without the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Hailed by many as the most effective civil rights law ever, the Voting Rights Act outlawed the use of literacy tests and poll taxes in the voting process and, through subsequent amendments and renewals, continues to ensure that all Americans have fair and equal opportunity to participate in the election of their leaders.
The impact of this act on the American political landscape has been dramatic. In 1965, there were only six black members in the U.S. House of Representatives and none in the Senate. Today there are 42 African Americans serving in Congress and newly-elected black president of the United States.
To learn more about the history of the Voting Rights Act visit the Avoice exhibit.
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