The 15th amendment was ratified 150 years ago today, but it was not until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that black women shared a voice with black men at the voting booth. At the time of the Act’s passing there were only six African-American representatives in the House, while there was only one Senator. Today, representation has improved in the House, but there are still only three black Senators.

This Black History Month officially recognizes challenges faced and the barriers that remain between black voices and representation. Less overt than previous iterations of oppression, voter suppression in the form of gerrymandering, draconian voter ID laws, and the dissemination of misinformation subvert the potential resolution of issues faced by the black community.

The library has prepared some resources for students to further explore Black History and the Vote. Be sure to stop by and check out a book or two! In honor of this month’s observance and celebration, our eBook Spotlight recognizes “African American Women and the Vote, 1837-1965.” You can find that title and a wide selection of others on Ivy Tech Library’s catalog, Ivycat!