Age Quote by John Lewis
“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.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Selma to Montgomery March, 1965
Voting barriers like literacy tests disenfranchised Black citizens, highlighting systemic racism.
In simple terms: Voting was blocked by unfair tests.
Fight for equal voting rights.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- elections
- community organizing
- legal reform
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we protect voting rights today?
- What can you do locally?
Progress requires ongoing vigilance.