Equal Ground’s Founder Reacts to the Potential loss of another Florida Black Access District

Statement from Jasmine Burney-Clark, founder of Equal Ground Education Fund – the preeminent Black-led, non-partisan, non-profit working to build Black political power in Florida that has been fighting back in the legislature and in the courts since 2022 to protect fair maps and Black representation: 

“Black representation in Florida has diminished by 50% through redistricting decisions that dismantled Black access districts and weakened the political voice of Black communities across the state. And at a time when only two Majority-Black access congressional districts remain in Florida – while other states completely wipe out these important seats – this decision by Debbie Wasserman Schultz to seek office in this district instead of competing in the communities where she resides raises serious concerns about equity, representation, and whose interests are being prioritized.

“Communities that have historically faced voter suppression and political disenfranchisement deserve leaders who are committed to protecting and expanding Black political representation — not contributing to its erosion. Actions do not have to be explicitly rooted in racist ideology to reinforce systems and outcomes that diminish Black political power.

“Florida voters, particularly those in historically Black districts, should remain vigilant about efforts that may further weaken authentic community representation and undermine the hard-fought progress achieved through decades of civil rights advocacy and voting rights organizing. Like the maps passed out of the Florida legislature this year, they are only a projection, not a final outcome. Voters ultimately make the final decision, and they won’t soon forget the decisions of those who left them behind for personal and political ambition.”