Representation is not just symbolism. It is power. It is who writes the laws, who sets the goals,
and who tells your story in the room where decisions about you are made. In Florida, Black
political representation has been gutted to only two Black opportunity congressional districts.
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Protecting that voice is not just a suggestion; it is a mandate.
In the wake of the Supreme Court’s ruling in the Callais case, the Florida Legislature passed an
illegal, gerrymandered congressional map. This map attempts to reduce Black representation in
the state by diluting the votes of minority communities.
Redrawn Florida congressional map upheld ahead of midterms
To understand an early piece of this fight, we must understand the sacrifice of Harry T. and
Harriette V. Moore. The Moores were educators, organizers, and pioneers of voter registration in
Florida. The Moores sought to expand Black political power. In the years leading up to their
murder, they traveled across the state organizing and registering voters. They believed
democracy should belong to everyone, regardless of the color of their skin.
For this work, they gave the ultimate sacrifice.
On Christmas night in 1951, a bomb was planted beneath their home in Mims, Florida, by the Ku
Klux Klan. They became some of the first martyrs of the civil rights movement. A movement
that successfully demanded the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. An act that led to the
largest expansion of Black political representation.
History once placed bombs beneath those fighting for Black political representation. Today,
instead of explosives, we are seeing erasure by inches; districts shifted, communities divided,
and representation shrinking until the voice remains, but the power does not.
This is not just happening in Florida; as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision to gut the
Voting Rights Act, it is estimated that after this current redistricting push, over one-third of the Congressional Black Caucus will be drawn out of their seats. This is a targeted, systemic attack on Black voters around the country.
Florida’s Congressional District 20 is at the core of this fight over whether the lived experiences of Black Americans are
represented in Congress.
On Friday, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz announced her candidacy for CD 20.
This is not a question of experience, qualifications, success, or commitment to public service. Wasserman Schultz has strongly and successfully served South Florida for decades.
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The question before us today is much different: What responsibility do we, as candidates, have
when the number of districts where Black voters have a meaningful opportunity to elect their
candidate of choice has been reduced to just two districts?
For over three decades, Florida’s 20th Congressional District has been a beacon of Black
representation. This was built through organizing, sacrificing, and the sustained fight of a
community demanding its lived experience be reflected in Congress. This district was created to
mediate years of exclusion and discrimination.
The residents of CD 20 deserve a candidate who understands their unique needs and history, and
who will fight with the same passion and understanding of the weight of their issues as they do.
And although we are all democrats, elements of the plight of Black Americans can only be
understood through lived experience.
We cannot fight for fair maps with one hand while undermining Black opportunity districts with
the other. We urge all candidates to hear the community clearly because our party is strongest
when it reflects and respects the voices of those who have carried it for generations.
Our message to candidates is resolute: defend and strengthen Black opportunity districts. This is
nonnegotiable. Uphold the promise of fair representation and honor the sacrifices that built these
Districts.
Our message to voters is clear: educate yourselves on the candidates who best represent your
interests and vote as your representation depends on it, because it does.
To register to vote or look up your voter registration information, visit www.registertovoteflorida.gov/home.
State Sen. LaVon Bracy Davis represents District 11 in the Florida Senate. State Rep. RaShon Young represents Florida HOuse District 40. Both are from Orlando.
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