NAACP’s Argument for a Second Majority Black District in Louisiana

On Wednesday, attorney Janai Nelson from the NAACP presented a case to the Supreme Court, asserting that Louisiana needs an additional majority black district. She emphasized that “white Democrats are not voting for black candidates, whether they’re Democrats or not.”

The NAACP’s legal team argued that it’s evident white Democrats, irrespective of their party affiliation, have consistently refrained from supporting black candidates. “There’s a significant divide in how black voters and white voters in Louisiana cast their ballots. Sure, there might be some correlation between race and party; however, it’s clear that race is the main factor,” Nelson stated.

During her conversation on Blue Sky, she also shared her thoughts on Assata Shakur, a controversial figure who was sentenced to life imprisonment for killing a police officer and was later granted asylum in Cuba. In September, she posted, “We are still saddened by the passing of Assata Olugbala Shakur, a freedom fighter who died in exile in Cuba. Her name means ‘she who fights,’ and she remained in the struggle during her years away. May she rest in peace and continue to inspire resilience and resistance.”

The Supreme Court is currently reevaluating the Louisiana vs. Curry case. This lawsuit potentially threatens Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which guards against racial gerrymandering that undermines the voting influence of minority groups. The ramifications of this conflict are significant, as it arises from Louisiana’s redistricting efforts in 2022.

Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act prevents voting practices and district designs that diminish the opportunities for racial or linguistic minorities to participate in the political arena and elect their preferred candidates. The heart of the conflict centers on Louisiana’s congressional map, known as Senate Bill 8. This map was created following a federal court’s directive to establish additional majority black districts aimed at rectifying “vote dilution.” However, the court later invalidated SB 8, determining it constituted racial gerrymandering and violated the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.

An outcome in favor of the Supreme Court could solidify a Republican majority in the House, according to Fair Fight Action and the Black Voter Matters Fund, both Democratic voting rights organizations.

Although it may be challenging to reach a ruling before next year’s midterm elections, some advocates believe it’s a possibility. These groups identified up to 27 seats that could be reallocated towards Republicans, with 19 of those linked to the potential overturning of Article II.

LaTosha Brown, co-founder of the Black Voters Matter Fund, expressed concern, stating that this could lead to a system where “power serves the powerful and silences the people.” Fair Fight Action’s CEO Lauren Groh Wargo echoed similar sentiments, warning that repealing Article 2 could have “permanent” repercussions.

She stated, “The only way to counteract this is to aggressively push for redrawing the map and reclaiming Congress, with the intention to advance genuine pro-democracy reforms and hold the court accountable.”