Power Coalition Makes Redistricting Grants to Encourage Equitable Redistricting Process
For Immediate Release: December 6, 2021
New Orleans, LA– Power Coalition for Equity and Justice is providing mini-grants to support small nonprofit organizations, churches, social clubs, and neighborhood groups across the state organizing their communities around the redistricting process. The grants support hosting community listening sessions, town halls, text and phone banks, and mobilizing communities for a fair and just redistricting process.
“Redistricting has been a north star for our equity work,” says Power Coalition Founder and CEO Ashley Shelton. “When people live in fair and equitable political districts they are more likely to be able to elect candidates of choice and make sure that their voices are heard and their needs are reflected.”
Despite having a population that is over 31% Black and increasing populations of color across the state, the majority of Louisiana’s elected officials are white. Louisiana has only one of six Congressional districts that is represented by a person of color.
The Louisiana legislature will approve new Congressional districts in February 2022. Power Coalition Redistricting Grantees will be mobilizing their communities to bring them to Redistricting Roadshows, train them to testify, and educate people about the importance of redistricting.
“We are excited to be able to partner and provide funding for organizations around Louisiana to ensure that everyone has a voice in the redistricting process,” said Janea Jamison, Director of Programs for Power Coalition.
Grantees include: Ripe for Victory, Shreveport Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Westside Sponsoring Committee, CADAV, Inc, MLKNA, The Central Louisiana Housing Alliance, Northwest LA Makerspace, A Bella LaFemme Society, Step Up Louisiana, Jericho Road Episcopal Housing Initiative, and The Descendants Project. Applications are still open and are accepted on a rolling basis until funds run out.
Contact Information:
Ashley Shelton, CEO of Power Coalition, ashelton@powercoalition.org, (225) 802-2435
Morgan Shannon, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Power Coalition, mshannon@powercoalition.org