Today, the Tennessee General Assembly will vote on a plan to eliminate the state’s lone majority-Black congressional district and divide Memphis voters, diluting their political power.

Education advocacy group Stand for Children sent an email to supporters about the stakes of this blatant oppression:

On Day 2 of Tennessee’s special legislative session to redraw congressional districts, lawmakers are moving forward with a plan that could split Memphis up and dismantle CD-09, Tennessee’s only majority-Black congressional district.

This proposed map would create confusion and chaos ahead of the upcoming August election and could leave Memphis and Shelby County represented by officials who live hundreds of miles away from the people most affected by their political decisions.

What’s happening right now should concern every Tennessean, not just those who live in Memphis.

When politicians can redraw maps in the middle of an election cycle to protect their own power, it sets a dangerous precedent for communities across the state. It means politicians are choosing their voters instead of voters choosing their leaders.

We won’t be fooled. This is a blatant power grab designed to weaken community voices, dilute voting power, and lock in political control for the people already in power.