With a new special legislative session now underway in Texas, civil rights advocate and civic leader Chelle Luper Wilson is calling on Texans to stand up and speak out—especially around what she warns is a critical redistricting effort that could reshape political representation for generations.
In a passionate Instagram video posted on the first day of the session, Wilson issued a heartfelt plea to her followers and the broader public to get involved.
Speaking in her personal capacity, she stressed the urgency of attending upcoming public hearings and contacting state lawmakers to oppose proposed changes that could dilute the voting power of key communities of color.
“This is the fight of our lives,” Wilson said. “This redistricting has a multi-generational impact on our communities. It is not just about us. It’s about our children and our grandchildren.”
Communities of Color at the Center of the Battle
Wilson specifically raised alarms about the targeting of several congressional districts currently or historically represented by Black and Latino lawmakers, including:
- District 9 (Rep. Al Green – Houston)
- District 18 (vacated by Sheila Jackson Lee and formerly held by the late Sylvester Turner – Houston)
- District 29 (Rep. Sylvia Garcia – Houston)
- District 33 (Rep. Marc Veasey – Dallas-Fort Worth area)
“These are not just political seats,” Wilson said. “These are powerful voices for our communities—voices that have fought for justice, economic investment, and equal representation. We cannot afford to lose them.”
Call to Action: Hearings, Legislator Outreach, and Civic Engagement
Wilson noted that three public hearings on the redistricting plans are scheduled across the state in the coming days: one in Austin, one in Houston, and one in Arlington, covering the state’s major population centers and diverse communities.
She urged Texans to attend in large numbers, to visit or contact their state legislators, and to flood the governor’s office with phone calls and emails expressing concern over the redistricting agenda.
“Now is not the time to disengage,” she pointed. “Coretta Scott King said freedom is never really won. You have to earn it and win it in every generation. This is our generation’s fight.”
Wilson’s video has already gained traction on social media, being shared widely among voting rights organizations, grassroots groups, and political influencers in Texas.
Why This Matters
Redistricting, the once-a-decade process of redrawing congressional and legislative district boundaries, holds immense power over how communities are represented. In Texas, a state with a rapidly growing and diversifying population, these maps can determine whether communities of color have a voice or are split and weakened through gerrymandering.
Civil rights groups and legal experts have long warned that redistricting can be used to manipulate district lines in ways that reduce minority political power, a practice ruled unconstitutional in many cases by federal courts, though recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions have weakened those protections.
Texas has a long and controversial history with redistricting battles. Past proposals have triggered lawsuits over alleged racial gerrymandering and violations of the Voting Rights Act. This special session, called by the governor, could open the door to another round of litigation if the maps are redrawn in ways seen as discriminatory.
A Legacy of Civic Engagement
Chelle Luper Wilson, daughter of civil rights legend Clara Luper, is no stranger to activism. Following in her mother’s footsteps, she has spent years organizing for educational equity, civic empowerment, and political participation. Her grassroots approach combines direct community outreach with online engagement, making her a trusted voice among younger generations of voters.
In her Instagram post, Wilson promised to continue updating her followers with information and tools to stay engaged throughout the legislative session.
“Y’all know we like to say everything is bigger and better in Texas,” she said. “Well, here’s our chance to show how big we can really be—to make this state better, not just for us, but for generations still to come.”
What You Can Do
- Attend a public hearing in Austin, Houston, or Arlington
- Call or email your state senator and representative
- Monitor updates from civic leaders like Chelle Luper Wilson
- Engage in social media campaigns to raise awareness
For more information on how to find your legislator or attend hearings, visit Texas Legislature Online or follow Chelle Luper Wilson’s social media accounts for direct updates.
