NAACP Celebrates Signing of Louisiana Legislation Creating New, Majority Black Voting District for Louisiana Supreme Court Seat
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 1, 2024
Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org
WASHINGTON - On Wednesday, the Governor of Louisiana signed legislation that gives Black voters in the Baton Rouge area an equal opportunity to elect a candidate of their choice to the Louisiana Supreme Court by creating a judicial election district with a majority of Black voters anchored in Baton Rouge. For decades, the district lines in the Baton Rouge area had been drawn in a way that split the Black voting population, diluting their voting power.
NAACP General Counsel Janette McCarthy Wallace celebrated today's news in the following reaction:
"The passage and signing of this legislation serves as a beacon of hope for Black America. The NAACP stands firm in our belief that voting access must be expanded, not restricted. That's why we continue to fight back against undemocratic voter suppression attempts while advocating for pivotal policies like this one. Democracy may be under attack, but we'll continue to do everything in our power to fight back. For our culture, and our community."
In 2019, the NAACP and individual plaintiffs Reverend Anthony C. Allen Sr. and Stephanie Anthony from Baton Rouge, under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. The case, which was argued by The Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law and co-counsel Arthur R. Thomas & Associates and Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner (BCLP) pursued the creation of a Black-majority district with an equal share of voice for Black voters who have historically experienced higher rates of disenfranchisement than white voters in the Baton Rouge area.
Dr. Michael McLanahan, Louisiana State NAACP Conference President said, "The NAACP Louisiana State Conference proudly carries the banner of fighting for freedom, justice and equality for all. Almost since its birth, Louisiana has been the breeding ground for hatred, bigotry, discrimination and downright evil. Today, good has prevailed over evil and justice over injustice. The right of Black Louisianans to democratically elect the Associate Supreme Court Justice of their choice has been affirmed. We must continue to tear down these slave strongholds to ensure there is a just society for future generations. This victory today proves that when we fight, we win. But just as important when we vote, we win."
For more information on NAACP's work to protect Black Americans' access to the ballot box, visit our website.
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ABOUT NAACP
The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.
NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.