local
Some paid the ultimate price to enact voting rights. Their survivors see America turning backward
By Gary Fields, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 San Antonio
In San Antonio , where the fight for voting rights has been deeply felt, the rollback of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 resonates strongly. The city's own history of civil rights activism, from protests to voter registration drives, was inspired in part by the sacrifices of those who died in the struggle. Now, as the Supreme Court's decisions threaten to erode those hard-won gains, local advocates are sounding the alarm. The speed with which Republican-led state legislatures have eliminated majority-Black congressional districts is a stark reminder that the struggle for voting rights is far from over. In Bexar County, where voting rights have been a longstanding concern, the impact of these decisions will be closely watched. As the city approaches its own milestones and anniversaries, the legacy of Viola Liuzzo and other civil rights martyrs will be remembered, and their struggle will continue to inspire local efforts to protect and expand voting rights.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 27, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Gary Fields, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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