Black Louisiana Community Loses Congressional Voice After Redistricting Cuts Black Share of District
Scotlandville, a historically Black community in Baton Rouge, is facing a major change in congressional representation after redistricting reduced the Black population of its district from roughly 53% to about 25%.
A predominantly Black Louisiana community is preparing for a future without one of its strongest voices in Congress after another major change to the state’s political map.
Scotlandville, a historic Black community in Baton Rouge, had been included in a congressional district represented by Rep. Cleo Fields. The district had a Black population of approximately 53%.
Following redistricting, Scotlandville is now part of a district where Black residents make up only about 25% of the population, according to reporting by The Associated Press.
Fields has decided not to seek reelection under the new map.
The change carries special significance in Scotlandville, where Fields has deep roots and has spent decades working in Louisiana politics. He also founded the Louisiana Leadership Institute, a youth-development organization based in the community.
Residents and community leaders interviewed by the AP expressed concern that losing a congressman with such close ties to the area could make it more difficult to draw federal attention and resources to Scotlandville.
The controversy is another chapter in the long-running national debate over redistricting, voting rights and the political power of Black communities.
Published by The Black Angle. Editorial standards & corrections.
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