New District Maps Still Disenfranchise Black Voters, Divide Communities To Dilute Vote, Change Outcome

Organizers Send Redistricting Open Letter to NYS Legislature

Editor’s note: As we’ve previously reported, this is not the first attempt to redistrict certain areas in New York in clear cases of gerrymandering, or changing the demographic and thus the voting outcome of a particular area in order to dilute the vote for different results. A similar attempt was made on Staten Island, which was struck down in court. 

To The New York State Legislature,

We are very concerned.

In our shared journey towards justice and equality, we stand together to address an urgent matter that has profound implications on our democracy and the representation of our communities. Late last week we were confronted with the Independent Redistricting Commission’s release of new maps that not only perpetuate but deepen the divisions within our communities of interest.

These maps have failed to rectify the fundamental flaws of their predecessors, continuing to dilute the voices of Black and Latino voters by splitting our communities across multiple congressional districts.

We join the large numbers of organizers, activists, community leaders and electeds who have already condemned these maps, recognizing that they fall short of the justice and fairness our communities deserve.

Their statements align with the concerns raised by our communities, and acknowledge the endorsement of these maps by extreme MAGA Republicans, highlighting the political motivations behind these decisions. It is clear that these maps do not have our communities’ best interests at heart. And more importantly, they give folks outside our communities power over marginalized people.

The splintering of densely populated Black and Latino communities, the transformation of majority-people of color districts into those with a white plurality, and the disregard for the numerous testimonies advocating for the unity of our communities underscore a blatant neglect for our voices and needs.

We call upon the State Legislature to rise to the occasion with the understanding that they possess both the constitutional capability and the moral obligation to correct this grave injustice. The legislature’s authority to draw its own maps is clear, and the time to act is now. The commission’s failure to present fair and equitable maps underscores the necessity for legislative intervention.

We are at a pivotal moment where the legislative majority must confront the flaws perpetuated by a process that was previously contested and ultimately invalidated in court. The support from extreme conservatives, including divisive figures like Lee Zeldin, for the current maps speaks volumes about the beneficiaries of this status quo and the urgency with which we must act to demand change.

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As leaders and organizations dedicated to the advancement of marginalized and disenfranchised communities, we must unite our voices in calling for maps that accurately represent the diverse tapestry of our society. The legislature must undertake the task of drawing new maps that respect the integrity of our communities of interest, and reflect our shared values of justice, equity, and representation.

Let us honor Dr. John Flateau, the voting rights giant who tragically passed away last month after dedicating so much to this process, and finish the job he started. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that our communities are no longer fragmented, but are empowered through fair and just representation.

In solidarity,

Until Freedom

The Gathering for Justice

Justice League NYC

NYIC Action

Jews For Racial & Economic Justice

The Jewish Vote

MPower Action Fund

Faith For Black Lives

Man Up! Inc.

Life Camp, Inc.

Banner Image: Voorhees Town Center Voting location. Image Credit – Ernie Journeys

Gathering for Justice

The Gathering for Justice mission is to shift U.S. culture towards justice. The Gathering develops leaders, employs cultural organizing, connects the collective power of our movements, and convenes communities across generations to fortify the movement for racial justice and realize Dr. King's dream of a beloved community.