By Gary May. Describes how black voters overcame centuries of bigotry to secure and preserve one of their most important rights as American citizens. The struggle that led to the Voting Rights Act succeeded because of the courageous work of local freedom fighters and national civil rights leaders. But while the Voting Rights Act represented an unqualified victory, explains that its achievements remain in jeopardy due to renewed efforts to curb voting rights and deny minorities the Act’s protections. Learn more.