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John,
On Wednesday, the New York Independent Redistricting Commission released two sets of district maps based on the results of the 2020 census. Despite the commission being formed with the explicit purpose of creating fair and nonpartisan electoral maps, this commission abdicated its responsibility to rise above partisan rancor.
By failing to present one draft map inclusive of public input, the Commission has failed New Yorkers. While we do not yet know whether the commission will create a consensus map that fully reflects community interests over the next few months, one thing is sure: community action had some impact on how the maps were drawn. Hundreds of New Yorkers turned out across the state and advocated for fair maps, and those who organized can and should claim some victories. This leaves open the possibility that the numerous flaws in the maps can be remedied, but only through continued organizing and grassroots action.
To learn more about how immigrant communities are trying to take back power, representation, and community voice by advocating for fair districts, join us on Wednesday, September 22, at 2pm, for a virtual panel discussion sponsored by the NYIC’s Mapping Our Future campaign and CUNY’s Center for Community Media. Panelists include:
- Steve Romalewski, Director, CUNY Mapping Service, CUNY Graduate Center
- Asher Ross, Director, Mapping Our Future Campaign, New York Immigration Coalition
- Yafa Dias, Lead Organizer, Arab American Association of New York
- Carlyn Cowen, Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, Chinese American Planning Council
- Fulvia Vargas-De Leon, Associate Counsel, LatinoJustice PRLDEF
- Moderated by: Josefa Velásquez, Senior Reporter, THE CITY
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