Thread by @EthnicMediaSvc

📣In one hour we'll be discussing the impacts of #redistricting on #Latino voters in Florida, who make up 1/4 of the state yet who stand to lose #Representation under newly drawn maps. Follow the discussion
👉LIVESTREAM: @EthnicMediaSvc
@kiraromero @latinojustice

Welcome to today’s briefing on Florida’s redistricting process and what it means for Latino voters, co-hosted by @EthnicMediaSVC, @LatinoJustice and @scsj and moderated by @PilarMarrero.

Read our report on how #redistricting in Southern states is eroding fair and equal #representation for communities of color. 👇ethnicmediaservices.org/redistricting/…

More on the impact of #votersuppression on communities of color from our friends at the @BrennanCenter
brennancenter.org/our-work/resea…

Florida’s state legislature is now poised to approve #redistricting maps by as early as next week that will deny #LatinoVoters fair and equitable #representation at the state and federal levels for the next decade, says @PilarMarrero.

The Fla legislature is failing to adhere to the #VotingRights Act by diminishing #LatinoVoters power despite the growth of the Latino population, says @LJPRomero

Because of the population growth the state has received a new seat, anchored in Central Fla. But despite the growth led by communities of color, the new seat is majority white.

Our community has not been afforded an opportunity to testify to ensure the legislature listens and that #LatinoVoters have the opportunity to elect reps of their choice.

"The state #redistricting process in #FLorida only serves to exacerbate local issues ... we are not heard or represented, says Joanna Lopez, Orange County School Board Member.

The legislature must listen to us before enacting any redistricting plan that disenfranchises our community. Central Florida needs a #fairmap so our voices and needs can be heard by our elected reps.

"Our community is growing," explains Joanna Lopez. "If we don’t have fair representation, we will suffer the consequences. We are looking for equal access, the same opportunities. We are here to contribute and to receive the services we deserve."

"The Cuban population in the south of #Florida has diminished. There is more diversity now, with many #Latinos from the Caribbean, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, etc. That is what brings us to the opportunity now," explains @LJPRomero

"It is an unprecedented abuse of power to not engage communities of color" in this #redistricting process, says @LJPRomero

"If these maps are passed, we are reviewing all our options, including legal," notes @LJPRomero. "It is our sacred duty to ensure communities engage because that is how they learn to participate in #democracy."

"The reality is that this #redistricting process happened behind closed doors. People were discouraged or openly denied access," says Cecilia Gonzalez, a community organizer in Osceola County.

"My community is 89% Latino, but we don’t have any voice in government. I was heartbroken after a recent meeting, a community member decided to speak in Spanish, and our commissioner stopped him and told him to speak English, saying it is the official language. That is not true."

"We want #representation, we want to be part of the decision making process. #Latinos need to stop being a topic of the conversation. We need to be part of the conversation," says Cecilia Gonzalez.

"I’m a full time student and a full time employee. I keep a 4.0 because this is how I give back to my country."

"Candidates need to ensure they are accessible to communities of color. In the near future, Florida will be minority majority, so there will need to be that understanding… meet communities where they are at, in their languages." says @LJPRomero

"As a pastor, one of the most difficult issues I face is #redistricting. These lines exist to divide us up. Someone doesn’t want us to be too loud." Powerful sentiment from Father Jose Rodriguez of the Jesus of Nazareth Episcopal Church in Orlando

"After hurricane Maria… we had thousands o families arrive in Orlando, a neighborhood that was divided in two districts. Because of this it was really tough to be heard on this federal disaster." says Father Jose Rodriguez

"Dividing us up trivializes our voices. It reduces us, it takes away our voice and it makes the #Latino community something that is politically managed instead of socially uplifted."#redistricting, #gerrymandering, #FairMaps, #representation, #LatinoVoters

@PilarMarrero asks about #AfroLatinos and the impact of #redistricting. "The effort we need to make is to embrace Afro Latinos as Latinos but understand they face unique challenges. There is a lot of outreach that still needs to be done," says community organizer Cecilia Gonzalez

"I am concerned about the diminishment of #democracy and I am worried about Latinos being flooded with dangerous and false information," says Father Jose Rodriguez.

Three keys for engaging #Latinos: "Get the community organized, understand their needs, and deliver the right message." Sage advice from community organizer Cecilia Gonzalez.

Thanks to our speakers and to our co-hosts @LatinoJustice & @scsj for this important discussion on #redistricting in Florida. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get the full recording from this and future events
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