Black History Month focuses attention on the journey of Blacks in America-events and people. It brings back reflection on the historical path Blacks have navigated through trying times for equity as citizens on American soil. Great was the fight for the 1964 Civil Rights Act. It gave Blacks the right to vote. However, it came with many restrictions. The 1965 Voting Rights Act was intended to provide stronger voter protections for Blacks. The legislation was challenged to the Supreme Court. Protections were invalidated. Voter protections for Blacks have eroded. No signs of needed legislation soon. Gains won...and lost. With voting, Blacks have regressed back in Black history. This Black History Month brief is about Black voter suppression.

Intelligentsia 21C returns in April. Relevant to today’s Society, Intelligentsia 21C is a deeply personal, original, and authentic podcast about building equitable communities; keeping you informed and connected to issues—political, social, economic, and justice—facing underinvested communities and the people that are a part of them.

It’s telling stories that have yet to be told; asking questions to make us think and dig deeper for solutions to prevailing racial and equity challenges; and, too, giving us all hope and help to dream big and bold on how we can build more equitable urban communities, open the door to more opportunity, and foster better and more prosperous futures for those denied by systemic racism.

Join Reginald Jones, host, for the informative Intelligentsia21C podcast.

The Voters Right Act of 1965 was hard won. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was at the forefront of the struggle. In a 2013 case before the U.S. Supreme Court - Shelby County v. Holder, key parts of the law were struck down. Voter justice escaped minorities - particularly Blacks. Restoring federal voter protections now rest in our Legislative branch of government. A body divided over doing the right thing. Our government must act to ensure full democracy for all. We must march on until victory is won. In hommage to the "Dreamer".