New US House map redraws majority-Black district in Memphis, Tennessee area

Tennessee Enacts New US House Map, Carving Up Majority-Black District in Memphis

The Tennessee state legislature has passed a new map for the US House of Representatives, which includes significant changes to the boundaries of several districts. The most notable alteration is the carving up of a majority-Black district in Memphis.

According to reports, the new map was approved by Republicans in the state legislature just days after the Supreme Court gutted the Voting Rights Act. The act’s provisions were struck down, allowing states to redraw their electoral maps without strict federal oversight.

The Tennessee House map has been the subject of controversy, with protests erupting across the state over the GOP-led redistricting push. One protestor, reportedly a brother of Representative Justin Pearson, was detained during a special session at the state Capitol.

Critics have described the new map as “Jim Crow on steroids,” citing the removal of a rule that required voters to be notified about changes to their districts. The map has been widely criticized by Democrats and voting rights advocates, who argue that it disproportionately affects minority communities.

The Tennessee House will now send its proposed map to the US Congress for approval.

Source: Google News World