Coalition Hopes New Districts Increase Minority Representation
The Louisville Metro Council listened to public comment Monday night on redistricting based on the 2010 Census.
The Census revealed minority groups have become less centralized since 2000. A coalition of local organizations is worried this could dilute minority representation. The group consists of a dozen organizations, and was formed before the Census was conducted. Members went door-to-door to emphasize the importance of filling out census forms.
But the coalition also sees this as an opportunity for minority groups to expand their influence. Community activist Attica Scott, who represents the coalition, says she hopes to add a majority Latino district.
“At this point, we’re optimistic that the energy is out there, the interest is out there, numbers reflect the opportunity,” she said. “And now we’re working to build up relationships with our local Hispanic community to say, ‘this is what the numbers reflect, so now it’s time to build up that political power.’”
Hispanics make up roughly four and a half percent of the Jefferson County population. There are five districts with majority African American populations, and six black members of the Metro Council.
The coalition proposes holding several public sessions with the community state legislators, council members and school board members to discuss the issue.
The Metro Council will hold another redistricting meeting on July 25.