Skip to content

In Selma, Alabama, in 1965, only 2.1 percent of blacks of…

“In Selma, Alabama, in 1965, only 2.1 percent of blacks of voting age were registered to vote. The only place you could attempt to register was to go down to the courthouse. You had to pass a so-called literacy test. And they would tell people over and over again that they didn't or couldn't pass…” quote by John Lewis
Download Open image
“In Selma, Alabama, in 1965, only 2.1 percent of blacks of voting age were registered to vote. The only place you could attempt to register was to go down to the courthouse. You had to pass a so-called literacy test. And they would tell people over and over again that they didn't or couldn't pass the literacy test.”

John Lewis

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Voting barriers like literacy tests disenfranchised Black citizens, highlighting systemic racism.

In simple terms: Voting was blocked by unfair tests.

Key Takeaway

Fight for equal voting rights.

Themes

civil rights voting racism

Mood

determined hopeful serious

Type

historical activist

When to use this quote

  • elections
  • community organizing
  • legal reform

Key Concepts

systemic oppression activism

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we protect voting rights today?
  • What can you do locally?
A Different Perspective

Progress requires ongoing vigilance.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet

More by John Lewis

Explore all 258 John Lewis quotes

More Age quotes

Browse all 18,948 Age quotes