As if August in Mississippi wasn’t stressful enough, the state has also decided to start the process of redistricting.
So far it’s been interesting. Three Black legislators—Senate Democratic Leader Derrick Simmons, House Minority Leader Robert Johnson and Legislative Black Caucus Chairman Kabir Karriem—all called on the state not to redraw right now, warning against a return to lines that dilute Black voting strength.
On Aug. 21, Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann removed Simmons from the redistricting committee. No public reason. Simmons was replaced by another Democrat, Sen. Albert Butler.
The hearings are happening throughout the month, and lawmakers are expected to take this up in a special session later this year—which is exactly why now is the moment to pay attention.
(Keep reading after the video)
Redistricting sounds abstract right up until you realize your neighborhood is a political district and the people drawing those lines are deciding what your political power looks like for years.
If you live in Mississippi, don’t wait until the map is drawn to care. Go to the hearings. Listen. Speak. Know what they’re doing with your community. Because once those lines are drawn, we’re the ones who have to live inside them.
Image: Hannah Williams