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-Editorial
On March 24, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear Robinson v. Calais, a pivotal Louisiana redistricting case that could significantly impact Black and minority representation in the state and across the South. The case follows the historic Allen v. Milligan ruling in Alabama, where the Court upheld Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, affirming the necessity of fair representation for Black voters.
At a panel hosted by Ethnic Media Services, experts and advocates stressed the national stakes of the case, highlighting Louisiana’s long history of racial discrimination in voting and the ongoing struggle for equitable representation.
Victoria Wenger, Counsel at the Legal Defense Fund (LDF), emphasized that the new congressional map, which creates two majority-Black districts, was not solely race-based but considered political balance and community representation.
“We celebrate this as a win because it provides long-denied opportunities for Black voters,” Wenger stated. “The map adheres to the Voting Rights Act while balancing racial equity with political and geographic factors.”
Opponents argue that race was the predominant factor in the redistricting process. However, Wenger cited Supreme Court precedent that allows states to prioritize race when complying with federal rulings on voting rights.
“This case is about fairness and representation for historically marginalized communities,” Wenger added. “It also raises fundamental questions about legislative sovereignty and the balance between constitutional and statutory precedent.”
Alanah Odoms, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Louisiana (ACLU-LA), reflected on the state’s history of voter suppression and the need to dismantle systemic barriers.
“Louisiana’s history with voting is shaped by exclusion and discrimination, with an intentional effort to keep Black people from fully participating in our democracy,” Odoms said.
She recalled marching across the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma for the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, a pivotal moment in the fight for voting rights.
“We march today because voter suppression in Louisiana is like putting a boot on the neck of Black voters. We are simply asking for that boot to be removed permanently,” Odoms stated.
With Black residents comprising nearly 33% of Louisiana’s population, Odoms stressed the necessity of fair representation.
“A federal court ruled that Louisiana’s maps violated the Voting Rights Act and that Black voters deserve another district where they can elect a representative of their choice,” she said. “Yet, efforts to reverse this hard-fought victory persist.”
Ashley Shelton, Executive Director of the Power Coalition for Equity & Justice, highlighted the dedication of Louisiana’s Black and minority communities throughout the redistricting process.
“Even without media training or a deep understanding of redistricting, the people of Louisiana were clear from the start that they wanted fair maps and the ability to elect candidates of their choice,” Shelton said.
Shelton credited unprecedented community participation, from attending legislative hearings to braving ice and snow to advocate for fair representation.
“Our communities will engage and participate when given the opportunity for true representation,” Shelton noted, pointing to a rise in Black voter turnout during the 2024 election.
Davante Lewis, Public Service Commissioner for Louisiana District 3 and the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to a state-level position in the state, emphasized the national significance of the case.
“For years, Louisianians have demanded a second congressional district to reflect the state’s Black population, which makes up one-third of the state — the second-highest Black population in the nation,” Lewis said. “With six congressional seats, simple math tells us that two districts should be majority-Black.”
Lewis praised the political courage of the Republican-controlled legislature, which redrew the map after the Fifth Circuit Court ruled the previous version unconstitutional.
“This political shift was inspired by the people — from those attending hearings in icy weather to Black Caucus members standing firm under pressure,” Lewis stated. “The engagement of everyday citizens understanding what was at stake was critical.”
Despite the progress, Lewis warned that the fight for fair representation continues.
“Our future requires more engagement. We must advocate, agitate, and litigate to achieve results,” he said. “Justice will always be on our side.”
With the Supreme Court’s decision pending, advocates remain hopeful that the ruling will protect voting rights and set a precedent for fair redistricting nationwide.
“History teaches us that justice only comes when we demand it,” Odoms said. “If we keep pushing and refuse to accept anything less than full and equal participation in this democracy, no court, legislature, or system of power will be able to deny us what we are owed.”