NASW-Alabama Acknowledges Decision Affirming Provisions of the Voting Rights Act of 1965
NASW-Alabama Chapter is affirmed in its position regarding the
necessity of equity in representation for Alabamians by our elected congressional
officials. Today’s landmark decision by the US Supreme Court
in the case of
Allen
v Milligan
validates both the historical context and
the current realities faced by the underrepresented black populace of this
state. The protections of section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (noted to be the most powerful remaining
provision) have again shifted the scale of justice towards a more balanced and
true level of equilibrium for our citizens.
In a state proven to have a black population in excess of 25%, African American voters have continued to be disenfranchised by barriers advanced in the
interest of its majority Republican constituents. Having a
congressional map with one majority black seat out of seven congressional
districts when two were shown to be needed was inadequate and did not allow for
true representation to be reflected in the structure of our national governance
system. With this decision, Redistricting Discrimination has again been
averted and
Alabama
will have to draw a congressional map to include a second majority-Black
district
.
Today is a day of exaltation for many but should also illuminate
the need for intentional engagement and political participation, irrespective
of race and in the interest of equity for all Alabamians. NASW-Alabama
Chapter invites you to join us in solidarity as we continue to toil in the
interest of social justice. In reflection of a quote by one of our great
social justice champions:
“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in
pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom
for one group of people and deny it to others.”
--Coretta
Scott King