The Arc of the Voting Rights Act
Louisiana Republicans have redrawn congressional boundaries to eliminate a majority-Black district, raising concerns about the dilution of Black political influence. This move follows a Supreme Court ruling that has weakened the Voting Rights Act, prompting fears of a return to earlier eras of reduced Black voting power. Community leaders at Mount Zion First Baptist Church express their disappointment and call for action against these changes.
- ▪Louisiana Republicans erased a majority-Black congressional district amid a partisan gerrymandering battle.
- ▪The Supreme Court's ruling in Louisiana v. Callais has intensified efforts to redraw districts in favor of white voters.
- ▪Community members at Mount Zion First Baptist Church are mobilizing against the changes, reflecting a deep sense of betrayal.
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PoliticsThe Arc of the Voting Rights ActLouisiana Republicans erased a majority-Black congressional district.By Yvonne Wingett SanchezL. Kasimu Harris for The AtlanticMay 31, 2026, 7 AM ET ShareSave THe morning after Louisiana’s House primaries were scheduled to take place, worshipers at Mount Zion First Baptist Church in Baton Rouge were on their feet, swaying to the gospel music that vibrated through the wooden pews. Just days earlier, the vote had been abruptly postponed as Republicans scrambled to redraw congressional boundaries in a way that would erase one of the state’s two majority-Black congressional districts and dilute the political influence that many in the congregation had fought for. From the pulpit, Reverend Renè Brown said that all of this was on his mind.
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