In the 1890 U.S. Census, African Americans comprised almost 12% of the country's population, 7.4 million out of 62.9 million. The well-dressed woman in the photograph may be reading for educational needs or pleasure. Many other Americans gained reading skills in order to pass literacy tests required for voter registration.

Between 1890 and 1910, Mississippi, South Carolina, Louisiana, North Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, Georgia and Oklahoma passed state laws that required citizens to demonstrate their ability to read and understand texts. Election officials decided who passed and who failed the requirements. As a result, millions of Americans were denied their constitutional right to vote, guaranteed in the 15th Amendment.

Medium : 1 photographic print

Created/Published : Between 1890 and 1920

Creator : Unknown

Part of the Helen Nannie Burroughs Collection in the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress.

Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 weeks.

Product #: afamworebo