The150th Anniversary of the Fifthteenth Amendment

Dale Rich in partnership with the Association for the Study of African-American Life and History (ASALH) Detroit, presented a 150 year celebration of the 15th Amendment. "

"The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude."

The First Vote

On Feb. 3, 1870 the Fifteenth Amendment was the last of the three reconstruction amendments to be ratified. It gave all male citizens including African American freedmen

that had previously been enslaved the right to vote. It took another 50 years with the ratification of nineteenth amendment for women to get that same right.

Several caricatures were show illustrating voter supression by acts of violence.

The documentary "Selma The Bridge to the Ballot" was also shown along with a discussion on the amendment. Also there was an excellent performance from 11 year old, spoken word artist, Alicen Felder and Wardell Montgomery as well.