By Black Star News
Photos: YouTube Screenshots
Today, the voting rights of Black Louisianians was upheld, by a Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling, which concurred with an earlier district court decision which found that Louisiana’s legislative maps violates the Voting Rights Act of 1965, particularly, Section 2—and in so doing diluted the power of Black Louisianians, by dividing Black communities through the “packing and cracking” map-rigging tactic.
Several legal and voter rights advocacy organizations released statements on the Fifth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling.
“The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has affirmed what we’ve always known: Black voters in Louisiana deserve equal representation,” said Alanah Odoms, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana. “This is a vital step toward correcting generations of injustice, and we will not stop until every Black Louisianan has the full and fair representation guaranteed to all Americans.”
“We have organized and mobilized for years, motivated by the promise of fair maps and an equal voice in our political process,” said Michael McClanahan, President of the NAACP Louisiana State Conference. “Today, we celebrate another milestone in our fight for justice, and we won’t stop now.”
“Today’s decision is great victory for fairness and accountability,” said plaintiff Pastor Steven Harris. “We have proven that united voices cannot be ignored, and together, we will keep pressing forward until justice prevails everywhere.”
“I am beyond elated for this powerful win of Nairne v. Landry that touches all of Louisiana,” said plaintiff Dr. Dorothy Nairne. “Including rural areas like Assumption Parish, where transformation has been nonexistent for far too long. Our people are ready to roar through our votes using legislative maps that truly represent us all. This victory ignites our desire to be involved, to uplift ourselves, and to shape the future our ancestors dreamed of.”
“This is a historic affirmation of the rights of Black voters in Louisiana,” said Megan Keenan, ACLU Voting Rights Project staff attorney. “Today’s decision sends a powerful message: the Voting Rights Act is still a vital safeguard against racial discrimination in our democracy. The court recognized the reality that many Black voters in Louisiana have been denied full and fair representation. This ruling brings us one step closer to the inclusive political process our clients and communities across the state deserve.”
“This decision is a victory for voting rights for all Louisianians who have long awaited fair maps in the state,” said Alora Thomas-Lundborg, senior counsel at Harvard Election Clinic.
“This decision is a welcomed victory that encourages us to continue the fight against those in power who are determined to silence the voices of Black and Marginalized communities,” said Black Voters Matter Fund founders Cliff Albright, Latosha Brown, and April England-Albright. “This powerful ruling ensures that the votes of minority and rural voters in Louisiana are not diluted and showcases our belief that the citizens of this nation, not elected officials, determine who represents them. We move forward with the hope that this decision will influence SCOTUS’ review of another Section 2 Voting Rights Case from Louisiana this fall, by serving as a reminder that Section 2 of the VRA is a powerful and needed tool that guarantees the 14th amendment is alive, not in just words and theory, but also in practice.”
“Today’s victory is a testament to the strength and resilience of Black communities across Louisiana who have fought for years to be fairly recognized, represented, and heard,” said Sara Rohani, assistant counsel at the Legal Defense Fund. “Fair representation is not optional in Louisiana. Today’s decision reaffirms that the State must pass fair and non-discriminatory maps to comply with the Voting Rights Act. We look forward to rectifying another example of Louisiana’s long history of racial voter suppression.”
To Support our independent investigative journalism contributions are welcome via Cashapp to: $BlackStarNews
Also support Black Star News by buying merch from our brand new Black Star Store!
