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The Struggle Over Race and Voting Rights in North Carolina

Nathaniel Powell

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Published in Fragile Democracy: The Struggle Over Race And Voting Rights In North Carolina

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Fragile Democracy: The Struggle over Race and Voting Rights in North Carolina

by James L. Leloudis

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The struggle for voting rights in North Carolina has been a long and arduous one. Since the Reconstruction era, African Americans in North Carolina have faced a variety of obstacles to voting. These obstacles have included poll taxes, literacy tests, and gerrymandering. Despite these obstacles, African Americans in North Carolina have never given up their fight for the right to vote. Their tireless efforts have led to significant progress. Today, African Americans in North Carolina are more likely to be registered to vote and to turn out to vote than they were in the past. However, there is still work to be done. The struggle for voting rights is an ongoing one. This article will provide a historical overview of the struggle over race and voting rights in North Carolina.

The Reconstruction Era

The Reconstruction era was a period of great change for African Americans in North Carolina. After the Civil War, African Americans were granted the right to vote. They also served in elected office and played a major role in the state's political life. However, the Reconstruction era was also a time of violence and discrimination. White supremacists used intimidation and violence to prevent African Americans from exercising their rights. In 1877, the Reconstruction era ended and white supremacists regained control of North Carolina. They quickly passed laws that made it difficult for African Americans to vote. These laws included poll taxes, literacy tests, and all-white primaries.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of continued struggle for voting rights in North Carolina. In 1944, the Supreme Court ruled in Smith v. Allwright that all-white primaries were unconstitutional. This decision was a major victory for the civil rights movement. However, it was not until the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that African Americans in North Carolina were finally able to exercise their right to vote without fear of intimidation or discrimination. The Voting Rights Act outlawed poll taxes, literacy tests, and other discriminatory practices. It also created a new federal agency to enforce the law.

The 21st Century

The 21st century has seen continued efforts to suppress the vote of African Americans in North Carolina. In 2013, the General Assembly passed a law that reduced the number of early voting days and required voters to show photo identification at the polls. This law was overturned by the courts, but it is an indication that the struggle for voting rights is not over. In 2016, the General Assembly passed a new law that made it more difficult for people to register to vote. This law was also overturned by the courts. However, it is clear that there are still those who are determined to suppress the vote of African Americans in North Carolina. The struggle for voting rights continues today, and it is a struggle that must be won.

The struggle for voting rights in North Carolina has been a long and difficult one. However, African Americans in North Carolina have never given up their fight for the right to vote. They have overcome tremendous obstacles, and they have made significant progress. Today, African Americans in North Carolina are more likely to be registered to vote and to turn out to vote than they were in the past. However, there is still work to be done. The struggle for voting rights is an ongoing one. It is a struggle that must be won, because the right to vote is essential to our democracy.

Fragile Democracy: The Struggle over Race and Voting Rights in North Carolina

by James L. Leloudis

4.6 out of 5