#24: A Jim Crow-Era Literacy Test

Literacy tests were common practice in many states after Reconstruction. These “tests” were supposedly administered to Black and white voters who couldn’t provide proof of their education level. However, these tests were disproportionately given to potential Black voters throughout the US to prevent them from voting. If someone failed one of these tests, they were deemed unable to vote. 

This is a Jim Crow-era example of the types of questions asked on these so-called literacy tests. As you can see, the questions on this test are either impossible to answer, blatantly racist, or just plain complicated. Some voting stations would even impose a time limit for test takers. Black voters were set up for failure, causing further disenfranchisement. Would you be able to pass this test? We sure wouldn’t be able to.