By: Fred Smith

In Houston, the new Texas redistricting map is more than a reshuffling of district lines—it is a direct blow to Black political representation. For decades, Houston’s Black communities have fought to gain even a sliver of influence in Congress. Now, with the stroke of a pen, those hard-won gains are being stripped away. By consolidating majority-Black areas into fewer districts, the state has diluted our voice and our vote, making it harder for Black candidates to rise and for our issues to reach Washington.

Supporters of the map call it “fair representation.” But fair for whom? Certainly not for the Black families in Fifth Ward, Third Ward, Sunnyside, and Acres Homes who now find themselves pushed to the margins of political power.

This is not just about who holds office

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