Today was a momentous day for our family. I took my son Adrien to the polls, where he joined millions of others in casting his vote—a right that, not too long ago, wouldn’t have been ours. My husband and I have five children, and four of them are eligible to vote. This year, two of them are voting for the first time. My daughter, Lizzie, is doing so by absentee ballot from college in another state, while Adrien, a high school senior, is among the few his age eligible to vote in his senior year.

This morning, Adrien and I rushed out of the house early, excited to make it to the polls. When we arrived, the line was long—we waited 25 minutes just to get our ballots—but I didn’t mind at all. Watching Adrien step up to exercise this powerful right filled me with pride and a deep sense of gratitude. As a Latin American family, this moment is one we wouldn’t have been allowed decades ago, back when Black Americans were denied the right to vote. I found myself telling every adult I greeted that this was Adrien’s first time voting. It was constant that that everyone I mentioned it too were so proud to see a young man voting. We voted early in the morning and maybe that’s a turn off for young people because I believe that Adrien was the youngest one voting at that time. I hope that there are many, many more in our community of his age group that are voting sometime today. Because of the sacrifices made by so many, we have this privilege, and we’re determined to honor it.

As I stood in that line, I thought about the generations who fought for this right, risking their safety and lives so that future generations, like Adrien and Lizzie, could participate in shaping our country. Voting is not just a right; it’s a legacy. Understanding the history behind it only deepens our appreciation for what it means to show up at the polls today.

So let’s take a look at that journey—a history of struggle and triumph that paved the way for the voting rights we cherish today.

Today, as we cast our votes, it’s a fitting moment to reflect on the powerful history of voting rights for Black Americans. The right to vote is something many of us may take for granted, but it was won through decades of struggle, resilience, and determination. For Black Americans, the fight for the ballot was not only about voting but also about securing dignity, equal treatment, and a voice in the country’s direction. Let's dive into some key moments and fun facts that celebrate this powerful history.

1. The 15th Amendment: A Landmark for Voting Rights (1870)

After the Civil War, the 15th Amendment was ratified in 1870, granting Black men the right to vote. It stated that voting rights "shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude." This was an enormous step forward, as Black men were able to participate in elections and even held public office during the Reconstruction era.

However, the journey was far from over. Many states implemented Jim Crow laws, including literacy tests, poll taxes, and grandfather clauses, designed to disenfranchise Black voters and effectively reverse this progress.

2. The Struggle Intensifies: Poll Taxes, Literacy Tests, and Intimidation

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the fight for voting rights became a struggle against systemic barriers. Poll taxes charged citizens to vote—a significant burden for poor Black citizens who couldn’t afford it. Literacy tests were also common, where voters had to pass difficult and often intentionally confusing exams.

Violence and intimidation were also rampant. Groups like the Ku Klux Klan harassed Black voters and used fear tactics to prevent them from going to the polls. Despite these enormous barriers, many Black Americans continued to register and vote, risking their lives to do so.

3. Did You Know? Fun Facts About Black Voting History

First Black Senator and Representatives: Hiram Revels was the first Black U.S. Senator, elected in 1870. During Reconstruction, over 2,000 Black men held public office, including 16 in Congress!
Women and Voting: Though the 15th Amendment granted Black men the right to vote in 1870, it wasn’t until the 19th Amendment in 1920 that women (including Black women) could legally vote. However, discriminatory practices still prevented many Black women from exercising their rights until much later.
Voting Rights Act of 1965: This landmark legislation, signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, prohibited racial discrimination in voting, finally dismantling Jim Crow laws and protecting Black Americans’ right to vote. This was a monumental win for the Civil Rights Movement, following years of protest, activism, and advocacy.

4. The Civil Rights Movement: A Turning Point

The Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s was a major turning point for voting rights. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, and countless others organized marches, sit-ins, and campaigns that brought national attention to voter suppression. One pivotal moment was the 1965 march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, a peaceful protest met with violent resistance on "Bloody Sunday." The brutal response galvanized public opinion, leading to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This law banned discriminatory voting practices, empowering millions of Black Americans to vote.

5. The Voting Rights Act: The Journey Continues

Although the Voting Rights Act was a crucial victory, the journey didn’t end there. Efforts to protect and expand voting rights continue today. In 2013, a Supreme Court decision (Shelby County v. Holder) weakened the Voting Rights Act, leading to new voting restrictions in some states. Many advocates are still fighting to ensure that every voice is heard and that voting rights are protected.

6. Celebrating Black Voter Turnout and Influence Today

Today, Black voters are a powerful force in shaping elections. During every voting season, communities mobilize to encourage voting, ensuring that each voice is represented. Movements like "Souls to the Polls" and "When We All Vote" emphasize the importance of civic duty and educate people on voting rights. Black women, in particular, have become known for their significant turnout and influence on national elections, often deciding key races and impacting the future of the country.

7. What Can We Learn?

The history of Black Americans’ right to vote is a reminder of the resilience and courage it took to secure this basic right. As we exercise our right to vote today, we stand on the shoulders of those who fought, marched, and sacrificed so that we can participate in this democracy.

Voting is more than a right—it’s a powerful tool for change. So as you cast your vote today, take a moment to honor those who made it possible, and remember that every vote counts!