Collaborative supports idea of greater diversity on redistricting commission - Group seeks to boost African-American representation as California begins the process of redistricting

Compton Bulletin
December 1, 2010

LOS ANGLES- The African American Redistricting Collaborative has called on the eight newly selected state redistricting commissioners to expand the commission's racial and geographic diversity and appoint members with Voting Rights Act expertise as they round out their panel.

It is critical that the commission protect and maximize minority voting rights as they redraw California's political lines, the African American Redistricting Collaborative said.

The collaborative was formed to prepare for California's upcoming redistricting and map drawing deliberations in 2011 and is composed of organizations dedicated to encouraging political participation by all people of color and African Americans in particular.

While AARC continues to expand to include a broader array of organizations and individuals, its founding member organizations include Advancement Project, AGENDA, Community Coalition of South Los Angeles, The Greenlining Institute, the Los Angeles Urban League and WARD Economic Development Corporation.

These organizations were previously part of a statewide effort to encourage people of color to serve on the new commission.

With funding from two California foundations, AARC is working to ensure that the African American community participates in California's redistricting process to the fullest extent - from providing input regarding Citizens Redistricting Commission applicants and testifying about Black communities, to crafting and commenting on proposed maps.

Collaborative members and staff have extensive experience working with communities of color in the area of political participation and voting rights - including past local and statewide redistricting processes. These experiences include community organizing, public education, mapping, legislative advocacy and legal analysis and litigation. AARC will use this background to assist people of color, particularly individuals of the African diaspora, in maximizing their voting strength.

Redistricting takes place every 10 years following the census and involves the drawing of political lines that make up our Assembly, Senate, Board of Equalization and congressional districts.

Following the passage of Proposition 11 in 2008 and Proposition 20 in 2010, this new independent citizen's redistricting commission will take over a task previously reserved for legislators and their designees. The commission will begin its work by the end of December when all 14 members must be appointed.