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 (NBC / Click2Houston)
· 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 Sugar Land News
The erosion of voting rights has a profound impact on communities like Sugar Land , where diversity and representation are crucial to ensuring all voices are heard. As the Supreme Court's decisions weaken the Voting Rights Act of 1965, local residents may see changes in the way congressional districts are drawn, potentially affecting the balance of power in Fort Bend County. The speed at which Republican-led state legislatures have eliminated majority-Black congressional districts after the court's April ruling is a concerning trend that could have far-reaching consequences for Sugar Land's own electoral landscape. The stories of survivors like Anthony Liuzzo and Lisa McNair serve as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made to achieve voting rights, and their continued fight for equality resonates deeply in a community like Sugar Land, where civic engagement and participation are essential to its growth and prosperity.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) . Sugar Land 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 (NBC / Click2Houston) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston) ·
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 (NBC / Click2Houston) and curated for Sugar Land News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gary Fields, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston (NBC / Click2Houston). To learn more about how Sugar Land News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Sugar Land News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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