The National Association of Social Workers Alabama Chapter (NASW-AL) 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 U.S. 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 where Blacks account for more than 25 percent of the population, 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
