Black Louisianans Urged to Attend State Capitol Hearings as Redistricting Fight Intensifies

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is scheduled to begin public testimony at 9 a.m.

BATON ROUGE, La. — African American voters, pastors, civil rights leaders, students, and community advocates are being urged to attend hearings at the Louisiana State Capitol on Friday as lawmakers debate congressional maps that could reshape Black political power in the state for the next decade.

The Senate Governmental Affairs Committee is scheduled to begin public testimony at 9 a.m. on proposed congressional district maps following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling striking down Louisiana’s previous congressional map, which contained two majority-Black districts.

Several proposals now under consideration could reduce Black voting strength despite African Americans making up nearly one-third of Louisiana’s population. Voting rights advocates warn that decisions made inside the Capitol could significantly impact Black representation in Congress and political influence across Louisiana.

Community organizations, clergy members, and elected officials are calling on residents from across the state to travel to Baton Rouge and participate in the public process as lawmakers weigh competing maps under mounting political and legal pressure.

State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle of District 61 issued a passionate call for public engagement ahead of the hearings:

“Today is not the day for silence. Our ancestors marched, bled, and died for the right to vote and to be represented fairly. We cannot allow anyone to redraw our voices out of existence. I am calling on every African American in Louisiana to come to the Capitol, stand united, and let this state know that Black representation is not negotiable. When we show up together, we protect our power, our communities, and our future.” — State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, District 61

At a town hall meeting earlier this week, Rep. Cleo Fields encouraged residents to remain engaged as the redistricting fight continues:

“It’s not the end of the day. We still live here. Blacks, whites, people who feel that there’s strength and unity. You keep fighting, and I’m gonna keep fighting for you.” — Senator Cleo Fields, town hall meeting in Alexandria

U.S. Rep. Troy Carter also emphasized the importance of fair representation during the ongoing debate over district boundaries:

“Louisianians deserve fair representation that reflects our state, which is comprised of one-third Black residents.” — Rep. Troy Carter

Members of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus have expressed strong opposition to any congressional map that reduces Black representation, warning that the outcome of the hearings could shape political power, community investment, and representation in Louisiana for years to come.

The hearings are expected to continue throughout the day at the State Capitol as lawmakers consider competing proposals and hear public testimony in what many advocates describe as one of the most significant voting rights battles in Louisiana in recent years.