local
Some paid the ultimate price to enact voting rights. Their survivors see America turning backward
By Gary Fields, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 27, 2026
· 9 min read
Holiday gatherings and major life events have come with an empty seat. Certain dates on the calendar meant time at a cemetery, standing before granite stones. They are a relatively small group of people, scattered across different states, but they share a common bond that stretches back decades: ...
Key takeaway We were always proud of that, and now it’s gone,” said Anthony Liuzzo, whose mother, Viola Liuzzo, died on an Alabama highway between Selma and Montgomery while driving marchers in 1965.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
In Montgomery County, where the legacy of the civil rights movement is still felt, the dismantling of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 resonates deeply. The sacrifices made by individuals like Viola Liuzzo, who died fighting for voting rights, are not forgotten. Locals who have participated in voter registration drives and civil rights commemorations are likely to feel a sense of dismay and frustration at the Supreme Court's decisions. The speed with which Republican-led state legislatures have eliminated majority-Black congressional districts after the court's ruling is particularly troubling, as it may impact the voting power of minority communities in Texas. As the country approaches its 250th anniversary, Magnolia residents may wonder what the future holds for voting rights and whether the progress made in the past will be preserved. The struggle for voting rights is not just a national issue, but a local one, with real consequences for the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 9 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Holiday gatherings and major life events have come with an empty seat. Certain dates on the calendar meant time at a cemetery, standing before granite stones. They are a relatively small group of people, scattered across different states, but they share a common bond that stretches back decades: ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 27, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gary Fields, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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