[ { "paragraph": "WASHINGTON (AP) — The Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) formally tapped major corporations to step up in the battle against partisan redistricting on Tuesday. The letter, addressed to more than 250 companies—including Apple, Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Tesla, Salesforce, Target, PayPal, Intel and Starbucks—urges them to condemn the redrawing of congressional maps by Republican‑led states that threaten to strip majority‑Black districts of their representation." }, { "paragraph": "In its appeal, the CBC labels the consolidation of map‑rebuilding efforts as “coordinated efforts to silence Black voices at the ballot box.” The letter reminds corporations of their historical support for the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, a Democratic proposal that would restore and update the Voting Rights Act." }, { "paragraph": "The letter arrives after a series of powerful moves by GOP‑controlled legislatures. With the Supreme Court’s decision last month softened the VRA’s provisions, Republicans in multiple states are redrawing district lines to dilute Black voting power. The CBC’s latest push follows a broader effort to keep Black representation intact across the nation." }, { "paragraph": "Rep. Yvette Clarke, chair of the CBC, called the complaint a “notice to corporate America.” The caucus stresses that it isn’t seeking an adversarial relationship but wants firms that have benefited from Black labor and consumption to recognize the role they play in democracy “with eyes open.”" }, { "paragraph": "The letter asks companies to publicly denounce the redistricting plans, schedule meetings with CBC members to discuss corporate protection of voting rights, and disclose their political donation patterns to Republican legislators in states drawing new maps." }, { "paragraph": "These demands come as President Trump ignited a mid‑decade congressional redistricting drive in 2024, pressuring Texas lawmakers to shift map lines in a way that favored Republicans. While California’s Democratic leadership responded, most redrawn maps were executed by GOP‑controlled states, many of them intent on locking in majority oversight over the U.S. House during this year’s midterm elections." }, { "paragraph": "The CBC’s letter echoes concerns from a 2024 report that highlighted how some corporations, after pledging racial equity steps in 2020, have reverted or failed to meet diversity pledges. The letter points out that corporate commitments to democracy were built on principle rather than convenience." }, { "paragraph": "Rep. Steven Horsford, a former Black Caucus chair and current Democratic representative from Nevada, said the letter signals that “corporate America must decide which side of history to support." He adds, “This is about power – who holds it and what it’s used for.”" }, { "paragraph": "The CBC’s campaign has added another layer to the broader national conversation about political redistricting. Some lawmakers advocate for mass protests and federal legislation to restore the protective provisions of the Voting Rights Act. A new federal voting‑rights law, however, could only pass if the Democratic Party secures majors in both congressional chambers and the presidency." }, { "paragraph": "It remains unclear whether corporations will comply. The Associated Press has been reaching out to the companies on the letter's list to hear their response." }, { "paragraph": "The letter also notes that Black athletes have been mobilized to boycott public universities that enact gerrymandering. The CBC is using a variety of tactics—from corporate lobbying to athlete activism—to safeguard Black political influence amid rising gerrymandering in some states." }, { "paragraph": "In short, the Congressional Black Caucus is calling on corporate giants to affirm their commitment to democratic ideals, fairness and equal representation as part of a broader movement to halt the dismantling of Black‑led congressional districts." } ]