The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was a watershed moment in American History, as Congress agreed to outlaw discrimination helping to bring the nation closer to the ideal of our forefathers, “liberty and justice for all.” Most likely 48 years ago African Americans across the country shed tears of joy on this tremendous achievement – and today would they likely shed tears again when they realize how few of their children and grand children take the time to vote?
This interesting blog takes a look at the role of Texas’ own President Lyndon B. Johnson in the successful passage of this important legislation and later the Voting Rights Act – which provided African Americans access to the ballot box.
Today, Governor Rick Perry and GOP leaders across the country are threatening to ask the Supreme Court to reconsider the legality of the Voting Rights Act. Meanwhile, they are doing everything they can to water it down through their Voter ID laws they rushed through state houses around the country in anticipation of the presidential election this fall.
So, will African Americans sit back and through their silence at the ballot box give back what so many fought for them to have today?
