Few African-Americans living in Deep South were allowed to vote before 1965 . Comment: Activists : Obama has benefited from struggle of civil rights `` foot soldiers '' `` There 's nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come , '' says Mants .
Few African-Americans living in Deep South were allowed to vote before 1965 . `` Bloody Sunday '' march led to swift passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 . Activists : Obama has benefited from struggle of civil rights `` foot soldiers '' `` There 's nothing more powerful than an idea whose time has come , '' says Mants .