Evolution of the Voting Rights Act: A Historical and Contemporary Perspective

When President Lyndon Johnson enacted the Voting Rights Act in 1965, it marked the culmination of years of resistance, legal battles, and the courageous stance of Black Americans and their allies against the violence often associated with the quest for equity. The late John Lewis, a prominent U.S. representative and civil rights luminary, endured severe brutality while spearheading a demonstration in Selma, Alabama, aimed at advancing the legislation. In a reflective examination of Lewis’s contributions, Allison Davis engaged with three former staff members to discuss his legacy. Additionally, Davis conversed with Cornell William Brooks, the former leader of the NAACP and current professor of public leadership and social justice at Harvard Kennedy School, to address contemporary challenges. This discussion highlights the ongoing struggle for civil rights.