On this day in 1870, the Fifteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution was formally adopted. As the last of the three Reconstruction amendments, it granted Black men the right to vote, asserting that this right could “not be abridged or denied by any state” on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude.

This monumental step toward racial equity gave millions of newly freed individuals a voice in the democratic process. However, progress was quickly undermined by systemic efforts to suppress Black voters. Through poll taxes, literacy tests, and intimidation, states exploited loopholes to maintain disenfranchisement. Today, the erosion of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 by the Supreme Court has allowed new barriers to emerge, disproportionately impacting communities of color.

Upholding the Values of Voice and Equity

At the Voting Access for All Coalition (VAAC), we believe that every voice matters. Our commitment to ensuring equitable access to the ballot remains steadfast as we fight against modern-day voter suppression.

Recently, House Joint Resolution B (HJR-B) was passed in Lansing, despite strong opposition. This dangerous resolution threatens the fundamental voting rights enshrined in our state constitution, making it harder for eligible voters to cast their ballots. It imposes unnecessary financial and logistical hurdles under the guise of election security, when in reality, it suppresses voter participation. Worse yet, it directly undermines the will of the people—Michiganders have already voted twice (in 2018 and 2020) to strengthen these rights.

While HJR-B has passed, the fight is not over. We will continue to stand firm in defense of our constitutional rights and advocate for policies that expand, rather than restrict, voting access.

Take Action for Voting Rights

The Fifteenth Amendment was a victory, but the work continues. You can stand with us by:

• Learning more about the ongoing challenges to voting rights.
• Joining our advocacy efforts to demand policy changes that protect equitable access.
• Supporting community education to ensure every eligible voter is empowered.