local
Some paid the ultimate price to enact voting rights. Their survivors see America turning backward
By Gary Fields, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / 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 The Pearland
In Pearland , where diversity and growth have become hallmarks of the community, the erosion of voting rights protections has significant implications. As the city's population continues to expand, ensuring equal access to the ballot box for all residents, regardless of their background, is crucial. The rollback of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 may embolden efforts to restrict voting rights in Texas, potentially affecting Pearland's own electoral processes. Local residents who have experienced the struggles of voting rights firsthand, or have family members who have, may feel a deep sense of concern and disillusionment. The city's own history of demographic change and growth makes it an important battleground in the fight to protect voting rights, and Pearland's leaders and residents must remain vigilant in defending the progress made towards a more inclusive and equitable democracy.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Pearland 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Pearland readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gary Fields, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Pearland selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Pearland, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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