Mississippi house to hold redistricting session at Jim Crow era capitol
The Guardian • • nation
Key Points:
- Mississippi lawmakers will hold a special session on May 20 at the Old Capitol Museum to redraw state supreme court districts, a building historically linked to racist legislation and the state's secession in 1861.
- House Speaker Jason White stated that any special session before January 2027 will convene at the Old Capitol due to renovations in the current house chamber, while the state senate will remain in the new capitol building.
- The decision to use the Old Capitol has drawn criticism from Black lawmakers and civic leaders, who view it as a painful reminder of Mississippi’s history of disenfranchisement and racial oppression.
- The special session follows a recent Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights Act, with concerns that redistricting efforts aim to dilute Black voting strength and target Democratic representatives like Bennie Thompson.
- Critics argue the choice of venue and timing reflect an intentional effort to maintain political power structures that limit Black representation and voting rights in Mississippi.
