NAACP Rallies at SCOTUS in Support of Inclusive Voting Districts in South Carolina

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

October 11, 2023 

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, amercedes@naacpnet.org

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the NAACP, joined by The Legal Defense Fund, Southern Coalition Social Justice, fellow advocates, and lawyers hosted two activations outside of the Supreme Court as they heard oral arguments in the theAlexander v. South Carolina Conference of the NAACPcase. NAACP President and CEO, Derrick Johnsonreleased the following statement, standing in solidarity with the Association's South Carolina state conference: 

"The NAACP remains committed to creating a democracy that works for everybody. Let it be known - democracy cannot exist without the Black vote. We are proud to stand in solidarity with our South Carolina state conference as they fight for the protection, and expansion of Black voting rights. It is our hope that the Supreme Court follows the constitution and affirms the rights of Black voters in South Carolina. We call upon state legislatures across this nation to rise above partisan politics and uphold our democracy by crafting voting districts that are free from racial discrimination. We will not stop working for a brighter future where every American's voice is heard and every vote counts."

The South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP is a plaintiff in the case, seeking to reinfranchise Black voters through the redrawing of current, discriminatory electoral maps. South Carolina State Conference President, Brenda Murphy, was present during oral arguments and spoke at the post-argument press conference with LDF. 

"The legislators who have put forth these discriminatory maps are perpetuating South Carolina's long, sordid history of enslavement and systemic racism. Black South Carolinians recognize the profound impact that voting rights have on our lives, and the struggles our predecessors faced for equality and justice echo in the ballots we cast today," said Brenda Murphy, President of the South Carolina State Conference of the NAACP. "Our state conference stands firmly committed to ensuring that Black votes are protected. We urge the Supreme Court to follow the law, and demand that our state legislature develop voting districts that uphold the constitution. Let's be clear- there is no place for racially discriminatory gerrymandering in a functioning democracy."

For decades, the NAACP has been a leading voice in the national fight for voting rights for Black voters. The Association seeks an outcome where traditional redistricting criteria, like keeping political subdivisions together or ensuring compact districts, is upheld in the South Carolina legislature.

For more information on our work to fix democracy, 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.