Groups Rally To Defend Black Political Representation

May 17, 2026 6:04 am

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Thousands of people gathered in Montgomery, Alabama, to mobilize support for voting rights amid concerns about redistricting efforts. Organizers say states are moving to dismantle congressional districts that expanded representation opportunities. The rally began in Selma and moved to the Alabama Capitol. Participants and veterans of past struggles warn that recent legal decisions threaten decades of progress. Leaders and activists say the moment requires renewed commitment to protecting voting rights and preserving representation gains.