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Blacks in Alabama Gain Congressional Seat After Lawsuit Prompts Redrawn Map

NNPA NEWSWIRE — “Alabama’s defiance is striking and nearly unprecedented in this country’s history. A recent report offers important color and context,” said Alex Aronson, a judicial accountability advocate and former chief counsel to US Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “This is not an organic development. Legislators are not acting or making strategy independently. There is a billion-dollar force which has been entrenched in the judiciary. About $600 million has been spent to control the composition of the court.”
The post Blacks in Alabama Gain Congressional Seat After Lawsuit Prompts Redrawn Map first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 year ago

October 31, 2023

Oakland Post

By Barrington M. Salmon, NNPA Newswire Contributor

Last week, a trio of federal judges chose a new congressional map for Alabama after almost two years of protracted skirmishes in state, federal and US Supreme courts.

Plaintiffs, including the NAACP, ACLU, Shalela Dowdy and Evan Milligan, had filed suit to challenge a new congressional district map drawn by Republicans in the Alabama Legislature which they said violated the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act. The Republican-dominated legislature ignored the US Supreme Court and a lower court, forcing a three-judge panel to appoint a special master to redraw the boundaries.

Milligan said in the days after the court victory he has purposely not taken too much time to celebrate.

“I think I expected (this outcome) only very recently in the last couple of weeks,” said Milligan, 42, executive director of Alabama Forward, which describes itself as ‘a statewide civic engagement network committed to bringing together nonpartisan organizations to (build) power around progressive civic issues and movement towards greater freedom.’ “I am rightfully overjoyed, happy and thankful but as I think about those closer cases, there is a lot in store for us to do.”

Fellow activist Cliff Albright said he was of the same mind.

“There’s not much time for celebration although celebration of the Supreme Court ruling is too strong a word,” said Albright, co-founder and executive director of Black Voters Matter and the Black Voters Matter Fund. “I mean we expected it when the census was done and with the numbers but I know there’s always. Celebration would have been picking the second map.”

“The map that was chosen is technically not a majority-Black district. It has 48 percent of the population and a 45 percent voting population. We have the opportunity because it may be the first time we have a district without being a majority-Black district. It sets a troubling benchmark. They’re opening up a slippery slope. They could start watering down a majority-minority district.”

Albright, a 2020 Soros Equality Fellow, said he’s aware of the games certain legislators and policymakers play, even as he, fellow activists and voting rights advocates work to bring parity and justice to the electoral process.

“They are not guided by commonsense, justice or rightness,” said Albright. “We see anti-Black white supremacy in the Alabama legislature. White supremacy never takes a day off. It’s always playing the long game. When you’re in power, you can play the long game.”

In the interim, Albright said, activists need to concentrate on voter education; discussing with the community what the voting and voting rights looks like; stepping up voter registration and turnout; fighting to establish early voting; instituting voter changes; and ensuring that polling stations stay open long enough of all those who want to vote to do so.

“That discussion needs to start today,” he said. “We still have battles over Section 2, racial gerrymandering and related issues.”

Alex Aronson said he was struck by the brazenness of the Alabama state legislature.

“Alabama’s defiance is striking and nearly unprecedented in this country’s history. A recent report offers important color and context,” said Aronson, a judicial accountability advocate and former chief counsel to US Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse. “This is not an organic development. Legislators are not acting or making strategy independently. There is a billion-dollar force which has been entrenched in the judiciary. About $600 million has been spent to control the composition of the court.”

Aronson said that money comes from a network built by arch-conservative activist and rightwing power broker Leonard Leo and the Federalist Society, a dark money front group which was instrumental in selecting all six conservative justices on the US Supreme Court.

Aronson, managing director of the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and Protection at Georgetown University, said the Alabama case goes to the heart of whether America remains a democracy or not.

“Something abnormal is happening here. A dark-money network is behind the attacks on Critical Race Theory, book banning and more. They have been hiding their tracks. They have serious and dangerous plans for America’s future,” he said.

On Twitter, Aronson offered yet another warning: “Elected Democrats either stand up to confront the Federalist Society’s authoritarian project, or we descend into authoritarianism. Those are the options.”

The Rev. Jim Wallis said Alabama represents the existential struggle between white Christian nationalists and other Americans who aren’t as ideological or who hold different positions.

“This is about race and power. This is a test of the court system, equality, and a test of faith,” said Wallace, a renowned social justice activist, theologian, author and teacher. “… It’s about 2024 and the election. History is coming to a crescendo. It’s a choice between a genuine multicultural democracy or a land ordained by God for white Europeans. A whole lot of white people support this … We’re facing, finally. A decision: ‘Is America possible?’”

The post Blacks in Alabama Gain Congressional Seat After Lawsuit Prompts Redrawn Map first appeared on BlackPressUSA.

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OP-ED: The Illusion of Allyship. White Women, Your Yard Signs Mean Nothing to Me

NNPA NEWSWIRE – “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

Published

2 weeks ago

November 9, 2024

Oakland Post

Political yard signs can symbolize intentions and allegiance. But this year, they’ve also symbolized betrayal. During this general election, Black women were led to believe that more White women would stand with us. Exit polls, however, told a different story. Despite overwhelming displays of support, more White women still chose to vote for the convicted felon, reality TV star, and rapist. White women answered the call but left us hanging at the polls.

A Familiar Disappointment

I live in DeKalb County, Georgia, and the abundance of Harris-Walz yard signs could’ve fooled me. But I’ve seen this before, back when Stacey Abrams ran for governor. White women showed up, put up signs, attended rallies, knocked on doors, and phone-banked. Yet, when it came time to vote, they let us down—not once but twice. I’ve been here for over 15 years, and if there’s one thing I know, it’s that political signs are symbols without weight.

In every election, I’ve talked with White women. Most aren’t the primary earners in their families and vote along party lines, aligning with the preferences of their fathers and husbands. These conversations reveal a reluctance to break from tradition, even when their votes affect women and certainly when their votes impact the lives of people who look like me.

The Illusion of Solidarity—Symbols Are Not Enough

On social media, I’m seeing White women posting pictures of blue bracelets to “prove” they didn’t vote for Trump. “The blue bracelets are something White women are wearing so others can see that they didn’t vote for Trump,” says Liberal Lisa from Oklahoma on X. Chile, bye. These bracelets are hollow symbols, empty gestures that mean nothing to me. An accessory to claim distance from Trump’s legacy is superficial comfort, while the choice to not stand with us in the voting booth is far more profound.

I’ve seen Black Lives Matter signs and black squares posted on Instagram to “prove” support for Black people, but we now know that was a lie, too. Will those same people who claimed Black lives mattered now take down their Harris-Walz signs and show their true selves?

Navigating these truths is a daily struggle for me—professionally and socially. White women often misuse their privilege, supporting us only when it’s convenient. Seeing overqualified Black women sabotaged or abandoned by White women at critical moments is a constant emotional challenge. It’s exhausting to live with this reality, especially when solidarity seems like something they pick up and discard at will.

One clever campaign ad from Harris-Walz that spoke directly to White women. “Your Vote, Your Choice” emphasized that their vote was private—independent of their household situation. Another was from Olivia Howell Dreizen, the “Vote Without Fear” campaign, which empowered women to consider the greater impact of their choices. But it seems many still couldn’t choose the roadmap to freedom—even when it was handed to them.

A Call for Action Beyond Words

White women, I want to believe you care, but actions speak louder than yard signs, bracelets, or Instagram posts. Show up in our communities, advocate in your workplaces, and stand up to dismantle the structures that uphold white supremacy. Only through real action will we know where you stand.

If you choose not to act, we see you—and we know exactly where you stand. Good luck these next four years.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

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Supernova Parenting Conference Empowers Over 100 Parents with Resources for Neurodivergence and Mental Health

The inaugural Supernova Parenting Conference was co-hosted by Natasha Nelson, known as Supernova Momma, and Yolanda Walker, founder of Parenting Decolonized. It brought together over 100 parents, caregivers, and educators dedicated to fostering understanding and support for neurodivergent children and mental health challenges. The conference provided invaluable resources, expert insights, and a collaborative space for […]

Published

2 weeks ago

November 7, 2024

BlackPressUSA.com

The event featured a variety of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in neurodiversity and mental health. Attendees left with practical tools and strategies to enhance their parenting journeys, emphasizing the importance of understanding and supporting the unique needs of neurodivergent children.

“While the conference was a tremendous success, we believe that our work doesn’t end here,” said Natasha Nelson. “It’s crucial to continue providing ongoing support and resources for parents as they navigate this important journey. We want to ensure families can access the tools they need long after the conference.”

To extend the momentum generated at the conference, Natasha and Yolanda are excited to announce the launch of the Supernova Parenting Community. This membership-based initiative aims to offer a safe and supportive environment for parents and caregivers to continue their growth as conscious parents.

Membership is available for as little as $5 a month via Patreon, making it accessible for all families seeking support.

“We know that parenting can be a challenging journey, especially when navigating neurodivergence and mental health issues,” Yolanda Walker added. “Our goal is to build a community where parents feel seen, heard, and supported. We hope you’ll join us in this vital work.”

For more information about the Supernova Parenting Community and to sign up for membership, please visit supernovaparenting.org