Thread by @RevDrBarber

Yesterday the NC Supreme Court honored the powerful protections in the NC Constitution—a Reconstruction Constitution forged by a historic, fusion, multi-racial government—that makes the right to vote a fundamental one in the state of North Carolina.

It is protected here by the Equal Protection Clause, the Free Elections Clause, the Free Speech Clause, and the Freedom of Assembly Clause of the NC Constitution. The court found that the maps passed by the NCGA violated all of those provisions

and are “unconstitutional beyond a reasonable doubt” under NC law. The NC Supreme Court made history in finding partisan gerrymandering was recognized under the NC Constitution as unconstitutional,

but it also made clear that the rights of Black voters must be respected in the remedy maps and that no shenanigans would be accepted.

These NC maps were unconstitutional on their face, embracing extreme partisan gerrymandering, targeting Black communities and poor communities, particularly in Eastern NC—including in Goldsboro, NC, where I pastor.

Yesterday the NC Supreme Court made abundantly clear that it would not accept further illegal actions by this General Assembly, giving strict instructions on deadlines for new maps to be adopted to allow for constitutional maps, compliant with the state’s interpretation of

Voting Rights Act requirements, to govern the May 17 primary election.

The people of North Carolina deserve fair maps, free of all forms of discrimination, and we will fight for the maps that are adopted by February 23rd, under this state’s highest court’s order to do just that.

Note: @BRepairers and @NC_PPC were both signed on as amicus friends of the court to the case that led to yesterday’s decision.

Join us in Washington, D.C., on June 18 for the Mass Poor People’s & Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly & #MoralMarch on Washington & #ToThePolls!

Learn more and RSVP online now to let us know you are coming: poorpeoplescampaign.org/june18 #PoorPeoplesCampaign