Series: The 15th and 19th Amendments go Underground: The Antislavery Movement and Voting Rights

The 15th & 19th Amendments extended voting rights to African American men & women, respectively. Both amendments moved the nation closer to its ideals, but the fight against racism & sexism began earlier. The participation of marginalized groups in the antislavery crusade, including the Underground Railroad, reinforced that they weren’t content with or deserving of their second-class status. After slavery was abolished, activists continued to demand justice.