Freedom Bloc, Akron Community Members Release Videos Calling For Fair Maps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 2, 2021

Contact:
Rachel Coyle, 419-351-5844, coyle@innovationohio.org

AKRON — Today, The Freedom Bloc and Akron community members released a series of short videos highlighting the importance of the redistricting process and demanding fair maps.

“Why do Republicans have 75% of the seats, but only get 55% of the votes? It’s through...gerrymandering,” note the speakers in one clip.

The videos were co-produced with the Equal Districts Coalition — a unified group of nearly 30 Ohio advocacy organizations and unions engaged in the 2021 redistricting process. The coalition is working to engage all Ohioans in redistricting by connecting with communities that are often overlooked during this process.

“Rigged district maps lead to politicians who support the failed war on drugs and housing discrimination,” Traci Person explains.

“We demand fair redistricting in Akron,” states Rev. Bruce Lambert Butcher.

These videos will soon be launched as digital ads, alerting Akron area residents to the ongoing redistricting process and its impact on their community.

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The Equal Districts Coalition includes the Ohio State Conference of the NAACP, Ohio Organizing Collaborative, OAPSE/AFSCME, AFSCME Ohio Council 8, the Ohio Environmental Council, Innovation Ohio, the Ohio Student Association, ProgressOhio, All On the Line-Ohio, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, Ohio Council of Churches, NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio, URGE – Unite for Reproductive and Gender Equity, LEAD Ohio, the Ohio Women’s Alliance, the Ohio Federation of Teachers, Ohio Education Association, CAIR-Ohio, Campus Vote Project, For Our Future Ohio, Ohio Unity Coalition, Equality Ohio, The Freedom Bloc, and more.