Final answer:
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 substantially increased African American voter registration and participation, leading to greater political influence. Subsequent challenges have arisen, notably after the Shelby County v. Holder decision, with some states enacting new restrictive voting laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 had a significant impact on the African American community by dismantling barriers to political participation. Prior to its enactment, discriminatory practices such as literacy tests and poll taxes suppressed African American voter registration and turnout. With the implementation of the Act, which banned racial discrimination in voting, and federal oversight and enforcement, there was a swift and substantial increase in Black voter registration rates. Moreover, African Americans began to gain political influence and representation.
However, the struggle for voting rights did not cease. Challenges have persisted, with changing voting patterns and the erosion of some protections. The Supreme Court's decision in Shelby County v. Holder (2013) represented a significant rollback, as it eliminated the requirement for certain states to receive federal approval before changing voting laws. This has led to the reemergence of restrictive voting laws in various states, some of which have been contested in the courts, indicating continual battles for maintaining the gains facilitated by the Voting Rights Act.