Even Trump’s handpicked judges are shocked by Alabama’s racist redistricting charade

In Alabama, the legacy of Jim Crow continues to impact Black residents through discriminatory practices. Recent reports from NPR highlighted a federal court ruling by a panel of judges, including two appointed by Trump, which found that Alabama deliberately weakened the voting power of Black constituents. Despite repeated court orders, the state failed to create a second majority-Black district, defying the Supreme Court ruling and continuing with redistricting efforts that marginalized Black voters. The judges condemned this intentional suppression of Black voting strength, emphasizing the state legislature’s refusal to comply with federal law as a strategic move to undermine court orders. The ruling also hinted at potential future actions, such as requiring Alabama to seek pre-clearance from the Department of Justice for redistricting under the Voting Rights Act.

Additionally, concerns have been raised about other measures in Alabama aimed at consolidating political power, including a bill approved by Governor Kay Ivey that strips authority from a predominantly Black city’s water utility board. This move, justified by issues like rate hikes and infrastructure problems, has faced criticism for potentially disenfranchising Black communities. The ongoing challenges faced by Black Alabamians in the realm of politics and governance suggest that remnants of Jim Crow racism persist in the state.