The Black Ballot: The Shocking Truth About Lyndon B. Johnson’s Fight For Black Voting Rights

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NewsOne is back with Episode 2 of its exclusive video series, The Black Ballot, entitled “The Switch.”

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The Black Ballot is a multi-episodic docuseries exploring everything from how the passing of the Civil Rights Act led to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 to the roles elected Black officials have played and everything in between to show how far we’ve come and how far we still need to go in the ongoing fight for voting rights. Each episode takes a deep dive into how American presidents’ decisions and policies have impacted the short and long-term trajectory of the conditions for African Americans, particularly as it pertains to voting.

Dive into Episode 2 of The Black Ballot as we unravel the dramatic transformation of Lyndon B. Johnson from a segregationist to a civil rights champion. Discover how his decisions still echo in today’s political climate, drawing striking parallels with Joe Biden’s presidency. We also dive deep into the profound history of voter suppression faced by Black Americans and the relentless fight against poll taxes and discriminatory practices.

Throughout the video, NewsOne takes an extensive look at Lydon B. Johnson’s early segregationist political career, Theodore Bilbo’s extreme white supremacist views and their impact on voter suppression, as well as the 1945 Congressional law that exempted veterans from poll taxes. The piece also takes a deep dive into Medgar Evers and his pivotal role in making voting accessible for Black Americans.

How do these historical struggles resonate with today’s challenges in voting rights for Black Americans?

Check out the second episode, and be sure to check back for future weekly episodes by clicking here.

Let’s continue exploring the history and impact of the Black vote in America together!

SEE ALSO:

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