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NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 3, 2026United States

The State of Black America: Civil Rights and Democracy at 250

This article discusses the upcoming 2026 'State of Black America' report, examining the current state of civil rights and racial equity in the U.S. as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary. It highlights legal challenges to voting rights, recent Supreme Court rulings, and the ongoing efforts of civil rights organizations to protect democratic access.

civil rightsvoting rightsSupreme Courtdemocracyracial equityhistory
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Why It Matters

The article outlines the current legal and political landscape regarding voting rights and citizenship, which directly impacts the ability of marginalized groups to participate in American democracy.

Key Facts

  • The 2026 edition of 'The State of Black America' report is scheduled for release on July 30, 2026.
  • The 2013 Supreme Court decision in Shelby County v. Holder removed federal preclearance requirements under Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.
  • The Black-white voter turnout gap has widened nationwide since the Shelby County v. Holder decision.
  • The gap in voter turnout grew twice as fast in counties that were previously covered by the Voting Rights Act's preclearance requirement.
  • In its 2025-26 term, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that birthright citizenship remains a constitutional guarantee under the 14th Amendment.
  • The first 'State of Black America' report was published in 1976, shortly before the nation's 200th anniversary.
  • The U.S. will mark its 250th anniversary in 2026.

Who's Mentioned

personEdmund Muskie“Former U.S. Senator from Maine.”personDonald Trump“Former U.S. President.”personGerald Ford“Former U.S. President.”personMarc H. Morial“President and CEO of the National Urban League and former mayor of New Orleans.”otherShelby County v. Holder“2013 Supreme Court case that affected Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act.”otherLouisiana v. Callais“Recent Supreme Court case regarding congressional maps.”personSamuel Alito“U.S. Supreme Court Justice.”organizationNational Urban League“Organization that publishes the 'State of Black America' report.”personJohn Roberts“Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.”personVernon Jordan“Former executive director of the National Urban League who issued the first 'Sta”