Black Voters

The decision was the latest to strike down new congressional maps in Southern states over concerns that they diluted the voting power of Black residents.

A federal appeals court has upheld a Florida election law that a lower court had ruled was aimed at suppressing Black voters. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals said Thursday that U.S. District Judge Mark Walker’s March 2022 ruling was flawed.

They include challenges to new laws that prevent abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy, and restrict classroom instruction on gender identity and sexual orientation.

Did the Democrats take Black voters for granted? Did returning voters get scared? Did the party sell out? Or all of the above?

At the Multicultural Health Institute, Dr. Lisa Merritt treats patients, of course. She also inspires a new generation to think big when it comes to public health.

Charday Davis, 36, a St. Petersburg resident, talks about the importance of voting, showing up for the ancestors, and instilling the same values in her children.

A judge said he wants to know "what evidence supports the district court’s finding of discriminatory intent.”

They want an appeals court to uphold a district judge’s ruling that said increased “solicitation” restrictions near polling places violate speech rights.

“You know Black voters have been key to elections and upholding democracy and we cannot miss the opportunity for all voices to be heard now more than ever," says Equal Ground's Kristin Fulwylie Thomas.

Voting-rights groups say the law was intended to restrict minority voters’ access to the ballot.

The judge says the state's Republican-led government was using subtle tactics to suppress Black voters. An appeal of the ruling is expected.

The Democratic state senator has launched a campaign to increase the number of Black and brown voters in Florida who use vote-by mail.