The U.S. Supreme Court’s decision last week in the Callais case is likely to lead to a major loss of Black representation across the South. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry immediately suspended the state’s pending congressional primaries to redraw its maps. Other Republican officials in states including Mississippi, Tennessee and Georgia are calling for reducing or eliminating their Black-majority districts. This week we look at the ruling and its implications.
Our interview is with South Carolina writer Rick Pidcock, who grew up in the conservative evangelical movement and has become an astute observer and critic of it. As a columnist for Baptist News, he has been raising alarms about the ongoing growth of Christian nationalism.
Plus: a look at this weekend’s inaugural Latido Festival in San Antonio, a celebration of Tex-Mex music and culture.
Show Notes:
“Exiles in Christendom” Rick Pidcock
“The Supreme Court has all but killed the law that helped kill Jim Crow” Stacey Abrams, MS NOW
“Statement on SCOTUS Decision in Louisiana v. Callais” U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures
“Virginia voters back redistricting amendment after months of legal and political battles” Virginia Mercury
“‘Rigging a system:’ Legal challenges expected, advocacy groups respond to redistricting approval” Florida Phoenix
“Louisiana governor postpones U.S. House primary elections after Supreme Court ruling” Louisiana Illuminator
“TN GOP discussing eliminating the state’s only Democratic-held U.S. House seat” Tennessee Lookout
“Mississippi Official Calls to Eliminate State’s Only Majority Black House District After Voting Rights Ruling” Mississippi Free Press
The Latido Festival San Antonio
“The Evolution of Música Norteña: A Cultural Journey” Texas State Historical Association