The United States took a decisive step toward democracy with the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. At the time, Black political representation was not just limited—it was nearly nonexistent. African Americans made up more than 10% of the population but held less than 2% of seats in Congress and none in the Senate.

By dismantling formal barriers to voting, the Voting Rights Act opened the door for Black political participation—and over time, representation. That progress was neither immediate nor inevitable, but it was real.

It was in this context that the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, the organization I lead, was founded in 1970. Our mission is to support the growth of Black political leadership and ensure that increased representation translates into meaningful policy outcomes.

More than five decades later, that mission remains urgent.

Representation alone does not guarantee equity—but without it, inequity is almost certain.

Black representation in the House has grown from fewer than 10 members in 1965 to more than 60 today, reaching roughly 14% of members—finally approaching parity with the Black share of the US population. But it took nearly 60 years to reach this point.

That underscores a critical truth: Representation requires sustained protection and intentional policy.

Even now, the progress is incomplete. Even with a record high five Black senators—just 5% of the total—Black representation in the Senate remains far below the Black population share.

Today, even these gains are under threat. Recent Supreme Court decisions have weakened the Voting Rights Act, reducing federal oversight and making it more difficult to challenge discriminatory voting practices.

The court’s most recent ruling gutted regulation designed to ensure Black representation, permitting what amounts to racial gerrymandering under the guise of partisan gerrymandering—a practice which itself badly undermines democracy for Americans of........

© Common Dreams