Archives
 By  Staff Reports Published 
11:24 am Saturday, March 22, 2003

NAACP head proposes
redistricting changes

By By Fredie Carmichael / staff writer
March 22, 2003
The head of the NAACP has proposed significant changes to a redistricting map Meridian city councilmen presented at public hearings earlier this week.
Walter Patton, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, was the only city resident who attended two public hearings this week designed to give residents a chance to voice concerns on the proposed changes to city ward lines and polling places.
Patton argued that the percentage of black voting age population wasn't high enough in Ward 5, and overloaded in Ward 4 reducing the chance of a black person being elected in both wards.
Wednesday's public hearings came months after councilmen began working to craft a proposed map to reflect population changes from the 1990 census to the 2000 census.
In the end, councilmen agreed on a proposed map with small changes.
In all, eight city blocks would shift places in Wards 2, 4 and 5. Meanwhile, Wards 1 and 3 would remain as they were when city leaders last drew district lines in 1997 using 1990 census figures.
2000 census figures show that Meridian's population decreased from 42,003 to 39,968 during a 10-year span.
The population statistics also showed the city lost 5,353 white residents and gained 3,317 non-white residents during that same time period.
Councilmen must redraw district lines and have the new map approved by the U.S. Justice Department before the 2005 city elections.
City Council President Mary Perry said she's not sure if Patton's proposed changes can be made to the map.
Perry said councilmen have not yet had a chance to meet as a group and discuss the NAACP's proposal.

Also on Franklin County Times
The sky turned black, and he lived to tell it
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
By Brady Petree, Addie Broadfoot For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — By the time April 27, 2011, arrived, Rodney Smith had already grown accustomed to the warnings. For days, sirens had gone off across F...
EMA warns: Don’t rely on storm sirens
Main, News, Russellville, ...
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Franklin County EMA Director Mary Glass said outdoor warning sirens should not be residents’ primary alert system during severe weather...
Ex-principal recalls lost students, teacher
Main, News, Phil Campbell, ...
SEARED IN THEIR MEMORIES
By Brady Petree For the FCT 
April 29, 2026
PHIL CAMPBELL — On the morning of April 27, 2011, Phil Campbell Elementary School (PCES) Principal Jackie Ergle was aware of the threat of severe weat...
West Elementary hosts Careers on Wheels
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — West Elementary students climbed into concrete trucks, explored emergency vehicles, and learned about skilled trades during the school’...
Cultura Garden Club spotlights pollinators
Columnists, News, Opinion, ...
HERE AND NOW
April 29, 2026
Bees, butterflies and plenty of garden talk filled the room as Cultura Garden Club members gathered at North Highlands Church of Christ in Russellvill...
State should broaden its readiness definition
Columnists, Opinion
April 29, 2026
Families across Alabama are asking hard and necessary questions about what’s next for their high school students. What’s the right path for my child? ...
Local group seeks to help veterans
Franklin County, News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — Veterans in Franklin County who need help with groceries, transportation, meals, wellness checks and caregiver support may not always k...
Free CPR, home safety programs offered
News, Russellville
María Camp maria.camp@franklincountytimes.com 
April 29, 2026
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Fire Department is offering free CPR classes, smoke detector installation and home safety inspections as part of an ex...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *