The NPR Politics Podcast The Push To Redefine 'Black' And End Anti-Racist Voter Protections
Jan 2, 2023
Hansi Lo Wang, NPR's dedicated correspondent on voting rights, dives into the alarming efforts by Louisiana officials to redefine who counts as 'Black' in voting maps. This could significantly diminish the voting power of Black citizens nationwide. The discussion touches on the historical implications of such changes, ongoing legal battles around the Voting Rights Act, and how these efforts threaten civil rights protections. Wang also emphasizes the broader ramifications of redefining racial identity in the context of representation and electoral integrity.
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Raina David's Identity
- Raina David, a Garifuna artist in New Orleans, identifies as both Black and Hispanic.
- She checks both boxes on forms, reflecting her multi-racial identity.
Carmen's Racial Identity
- Carmen Luz Cosme Puntiel, a Dominican Republic native, only identified as Black after arriving in the U.S.
- She embraces her Black identity despite facing discrimination.
Louisiana's Black Population
- Louisiana, a state with a complex racial history, has a significant Black population, including those of mixed heritage.
- Republican officials are pushing to narrow the definition of Blackness, potentially impacting voting maps.