The American Democracy Minute Radio Report & Podcast for Jan. 7, 2025
Today’s Script
(Variations occur with audio due to editing for time. Today’s Links below the script)
You’re listening to the American Democracy Minute, keeping YOUR government by and for the people.
The Voting Rights Act of 1965 Section 2 provides opportunity for communities of minority voters to elect the Congressional candidate of their choice by creating a majority minority voting district. In 2025, Alabama – for the first time in history – has two Black members of Congress. It wasn’t easy.
Alabama’s population is almost 27% Black, yet the state had only one majority-minority Congressional district out of seven after the 2020 redistricting cycle. Voters sued under the voting rights act, and in 2022, after a protracted litigation, the U.S. Supreme Court in Allen v. Milligan determined the legislature had intentionally diluted Black voting power. Alabama’s Federal District Court ordered new maps, which the legislature and governor defied, refusing to create a second majority-minority district. Finally, in October 2023, the court chose a map drawn by a court-appointed expert which included a second Black district.
Black Alabamian Shomari Figures, son of civil rights activists, won the 2nd Congressional District, 55% to 45%. He joins Rep. Terri Sewell, who won the 7th District, 64% to 36%.
The Milligan decision was long-awaited justice for Black Alabamians, but a Supreme Court decision in a South Carolina gerrymandering case, and another pending in Louisiana, may narrow already weakened Voting Rights Act protections.
We have more on the Milligan decision and its consequences at AmericanDemocracyMinute.org. I’m Brian Beihl.
To view the whole script of today’s report, please go to our website.
Today’s Links
Articles & Resources:
Alabama Reflector – U.S. Supreme Court rules Alabama’s congressional maps violate Voting Rights Act
Brennan Center for Justice – Supreme Court Upholds Section 2 of Voting Rights Act in Allen v. Milligan; Brennan Center Reacts
American Democracy Minute – A Victory for Black Voters as Court Approves Special Master’s Maps in Alabama
American Democracy Minute – Alabama Redistricting Committee Defies SCOTUS Milligan Decision, Again Proposing Only One Majority Black Congressional District
Alabama Relector – For 1st time in history, Alabama will have two Black U.S. House members serving together
Groups Taking Action:
National Redistricting Foundation, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, ACLU Alabama
Register or Check Your Voter Registration:
U.S. Election Assistance Commission – Register And Vote in Your State
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