A landmark piece of legislation passed over five decades ago has had a lasting impact on the representation of Black Americans in the US House of Representatives. The Voting Rights Act of 1965, a pivotal civil rights law signed into effect by President Lyndon B. Johnson, aimed to eliminate racial barriers to voting and ensure equal participation in the democratic process. By protecting the voting rights of African Americans, particularly in the South, the act created opportunities for Black candidates to run for office and be elected to the House. As a result, Black representation in the House has seen significant gains, with the number of Black lawmakers increasing from just 13 in 1965 to over 60 today.
How the Voting Rights Act Bolstered Black Representation in the House The New York Times
