Clarence Thomas has spent over three decades trying to dismantle Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), and the latest court decision in Louisiana threatens to finally give him what he’s been after. A recent court order, which I discussed in detail in a previous video, spells out the issues that could strip away not only a voting district in Louisiana but potentially invalidate Section 2 altogether. If Thomas gets his way, this could have devastating consequences for Black voters across the nation.
The Legal Battle and Clarence Thomas’ Role
For over 30 years, Thomas has been attempting to use the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to undermine the Voting Rights Act, a law that was passed to safeguard the voting power of Black Americans. It’s perverse that a Black man, using one law intended to protect his own people, would seek to use it against them in this way. It’s not only twisted but emblematic of the deep-rooted white supremacy that still permeates our legal system. Even many white supremacists on the Supreme Court have resisted Thomas’ efforts over the years, yet it appears that this time, he may have the votes needed to succeed.
What’s at Stake
If Thomas succeeds in this case, it could lead to a devastating victory for Texas, which is engaged in a controversial redistricting effort aimed at diluting Black voter power. If Section 2 is weakened or abolished, racist regimes across the country will follow suit, allowing them to control elections at both the state and national levels. This could have far-reaching effects on the midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Our ancestors fought and sacrificed to secure the Voting Rights Act, and now, it is our responsibility to ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain. We cannot allow this critical piece of civil rights legislation to be destroyed.
What You Can Do
This fight is not just for lawyers, lawmakers, or activists—this is a fight for every one of us. We must act now. Here’s how:
- Use the #SaveSection2 Hashtag: Every time you post on social media, include this hashtag to show your support for preserving Section 2. We need to flood the internet with this message.
- Contact Your Elected Officials: Call your representatives in Washington, D.C. and tell them to stop Clarence Thomas from killing Section 2. Let them know this is a fight for Black America, and we will not sit idly by as our rights are taken away.
- Support the Legal Fight: The NAACP Legal Defense Fund (LDF) and the ACLU are fighting this battle in court, and they need our support. Make a financial contribution to both organizations to help them continue their efforts.
The Broader Context
A few months ago, the 8th Circuit Court issued an opinion that further jeopardizes Section 2, ruling that only state officials, like Attorney General Pam Bondi, have standing to sue under the law. Since Bondi has shown no intention of lifting a finger to defend Black voters, this ruling could make it even harder for private citizens to fight for their rights in court.
Meanwhile, in Texas, Democrats are planning to take drastic measures to block these efforts. Some are even considering leaving the state to break quorum, while other states with Democratic control are contemplating their own redistricting efforts to protect voting rights. These moves are commendable, but we cannot sit back and wait for others to save us. We must push them to do more, and we must stand up ourselves.
Our Power And Agency
The fight to protect Section 2 is not just a legal or political battle—it’s a fight for our future. We have the power to make change. We have the agency to push back against this systemic effort to disenfranchise Black Americans. We cannot depend solely on white liberals or politicians to do the right thing. We must demand more. It’s time to raise our voices and fight like our lives depend on it—because they do.
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Let’s make sure our ancestors’ sacrifices are honored by ensuring that Section 2 remains intact. Let’s use our power and influence to protect the right to vote for future generations. This is our moment to act.
