Magazine, The Immigrant Experience
On March 24, the U.S. Supreme Court will hear a crucial redistricting case from Louisiana, one that could have a profound impact on voting rights, particularly for Black and minority communities across the South. This case follows the landmark Allen v. Milligan decision in Alabama, where the Court upheld Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, reaffirming the necessity for fair representation of Black voters. The Louisiana case now represents the next significant test in the ongoing battle for voting rights, with potential consequences extending far beyond the state.
Grateful to the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice and Alabama Values for flagging this case and organizing this essential discussion. EMS worked closely with both organizations to monitor the fight for fair representation in redistricting from 2020 to 2023.
This conversation featured key speakers who have been at the forefront of this movement, including Victoria Wenger from the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund, Alanah Odoms from the ACLU of Louisiana, Ashley Shelton from the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, and Devanta Lewis, a prominent social justice advocate and policy expert. Each of these leaders has played an integral role in pushing for fair district maps and holding the system accountable, ensuring that Black voters and other minority communities receive the representation they deserve.
Victoria Wenger, NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund
Victoria Wenger, Counsel at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund (LDF), provided a legal analysis of the Louisiana redistricting case and its broader implications. She explained that after the 2020 census revealed an increase in the black population and a decrease in the white population, the Louisiana legislature still enacted a congressional map that diluted Black voting power. Despite testimonies from community members and legal advocates warning of Voting Rights Act violations, the legislature refused to create a fair map.
In 2022, the LDF, along with the ACLU of Louisiana and other legal partners, filed a lawsuit arguing that the new map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. A federal court ruled in their favor, instructing the legislature to redraw the map. However, the state failed to comply, prompting further legal challenges. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Milligan, which reaffirmed protections under the Voting Rights Act, the fight continued. Eventually, Louisiana’s legislature created a second majority-Black district, but this new map was challenged by a group of non-Black voters claiming it constituted racial gerrymandering. Ms. Wenger emphasized that this case will determine how states balance compliance with the Voting Rights Act and constitutional equal protection principles, shaping redistricting efforts for decades to come.
Alanah Odoms, ACLU of Louisiana
Alanah Odoms, the first Black woman to lead the ACLU of Louisiana, framed the Louisiana case as part of a long history of voting discrimination. Reflecting on her recent participation in the 60th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in Selma, Alabama, she drew powerful parallels between past and present struggles for voting rights.
Ms. Odoms recounted how, during Reconstruction, Black voters in Louisiana briefly gained political representation, only to have it stripped away through Jim Crow laws, literacy tests, and poll taxes. She likened contemporary voter suppression efforts to a “boot on the neck” of Black voters, arguing that opponents of fair maps are resisting efforts to correct historical injustices. Despite these obstacles, she affirmed that history shows that when communities fight for their rights, they win.
She stressed that voting is more than casting a ballot—it is about dignity, power, and ensuring that all voices are heard in a democracy. While Robinson v. Calais will be a critical Supreme Court decision, she urged continued activism, litigation, and civic engagement, stating that justice is not automatic but must be actively pursued.
Ashley Shelton, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice
Ashley Shelton, with the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, provided critical insights into the implications of the Louisiana redistricting case for black and minority communities. Under her leadership, the Power Coalition has significantly increased voter participation among communities of color and influenced political changes at both municipal and state levels. As plaintiff in the case, Ms. Shelton highlighted the grassroots efforts that have propelled this fight for fair representation.
She emphasized that the Power Coalition has been dedicated to engaging historically disenfranchised citizens, ensuring they understand the power of both their vote and their voice. The organization worked tirelessly through the census process, mobilizing communities even amidst the challenges of COVID-19, to secure an accurate population count. From there, they began the essential work of educating people about redistricting and its impact on political representation.
Ms. Shelton described the arduous legal battle that has led to the Supreme Court hearing, likening the process to a game of chutes and ladders, with numerous legal twists and turns. Despite these challenges, she expressed pride in the unwavering clarity and commitment of Louisiana’s citizens. From statewide listening sessions to legislative hearings, community members have consistently shown up, voicing their demands for fair maps and equitable representation. Even extreme weather conditions did not deter them, demonstrating how deeply this issue resonates across generations and demographics.
She shared a poignant moment from the redistricting hearings, where a young woman, serving as Student Government President at Dillard University, challenged lawmakers by stating that their failure to act justly was driving young people out of the state. These testimonies, spanning different age groups and racial backgrounds, underscored the profound impact of fair representation on Louisiana’s future.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear Robinson v. Calais, the Power Coalition has been actively educating and mobilizing communities. Many had assumed the fight was over after the successful election of a candidate of choice in District 6. However, with another legal challenge underway, Ms. Shelton stressed the need for continued engagement. To ensure visibility and advocacy, the Power Coalition is bringing 60 to 75 community members to Washington, D.C., to witness the proceedings and participate in a rally alongside students and activists.
Looking beyond March 24, she highlighted the necessity of sustained education and advocacy throughout the waiting period for the Supreme Court’s decision. Despite legal and political obstacles, Ms. Shelton remains optimistic. She pointed to recent election data showing a rise in black voter turnout in Louisiana and Alabama when voters believed they had a real opportunity to elect candidates of their choice. This trend, reinforced by research from the Brennan Center, demonstrates the tangible impact of fair representation on civic engagement.
In closing, Ms. Shelton reaffirmed her commitment to standing with the people of Louisiana, ensuring their voices continue to shape the democratic process. She remains hopeful that the case will result in a victory for fairness and justice, paving the way for greater political empowerment in historically marginalized communities.
Devanta Lewis, Social Justice Advocate and Policy Expert
Devanta Lewis, a social justice advocate and policy expert, brought a crucial perspective on the broader political and national implications of the Louisiana redistricting case. Making history in 2022 as the first openly LGBTQ+ person elected to a state-level position in Louisiana, Mr. Lewis oversees utility regulation for a region that includes parts of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and surrounding parishes.
Mr. Lewis underscored the far-reaching effects of redistricting on national voting rights laws and strategies to combat voter suppression at the policy level. He highlighted that for years, Louisianians had advocated for a second majority-Black congressional district, given that Black residents make up nearly one-third of the state’s population. With six congressional seats, simple proportionality would suggest that two should reflect the Black electorate, yet systemic barriers have historically prevented fair representation.
Reflecting on the journey, Mr. Lewis acknowledged the long odds they faced at the beginning of the redistricting battle. However, through advocacy, litigation, and persistent organizing, they achieved significant progress. He asserted that successful political change requires an all-hands-on-deck approach—advocating, agitating, and litigating in tandem to challenge systemic inequities. His remarks reinforced the broader national stakes of the Louisiana case, serving as a model for other states grappling with similar redistricting challenges.
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