Today in Black History is just as important as it is relevant to current events. On this day 146 years ago [February 3, 1870] African American citizens of the United States were awarded the right to vote in all elections.
The 15th Amendment to the US Constitution granted al African American men born in this country the right to vote. It declared that the
“…right of citizens of the United States to vote should not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.”
Although the Amendment was ratified, the promise of suffrage was not upheld in its entirety for almost a century. The abuse of poll taxes, literacy tests, and other means of examination created to blockade free blacks from voting kept them away from the ballots in large numbers. Southern states were especially able to disenfranchise Black voters. It would take the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to ensure that everyone has equal voting opportunity.
In remembrance of this important moment in American history, we at The Source encourage all of our readers to exercise their right to vote. This right is one that many have died for all to have and should be respected as such. In today’s current political climate it is important that all verses are heard and all grievances felt. Do not stand idly by and let voter apathy take control of your voice.
