Ft. Bend Redistricting Needs To Reflect The Diversity & Demographic Changes From The Past Decade

TOP Calls on County Commissioners Court to Extend Map Deadlines to Allow for Greater Community Input  

Fort Bend County, like other counties across Texas, is currently in the process of redistricting. Redistricting is an opportunity that Texans have every 10 years to represent recent demographic changes in the county at the precinct level, according to new data from the census. Redistricting at the Fort Bend County level should accurately reflect the demographics of the community, and to ensure that happens, the Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is calling on the County Commissioners Court to extend map deadlines to allow for greater community input. Currently, control of the county is split 2-2, which is both politically and demographically disproportionate. The district is majority nonwhite, with Latinos being the largest community of color, a statistic which should be accurately reflected in the redistricting process.

Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is concerned that the county redistricting process will mirror redistricting at the state level, which weakened the votes of people of color and shored up Republican power. These new maps will have significant political impact for the next decade in shaping not just Fort Bend County politics, but the policies that have the potential to transform how we experience our everyday lives. We need to ensure the votes of people of color are protected and that means drawing districts that don’t dilute their power. 

“During the last special legislative session, right-wing state leadership successfully shrunk the political power of communities of color across Texas through the redistricting process. Despite this, one way we can continue to win progressive policies that change everyday lives — from bail reform to COVID relief — in counties across the state is to work with county commissioners courts to draw lines for their precincts that actually reflect the Census,” said Brianna Brown, TOP’s Co-Executive Director. “Our theory of change has always centered on a strong local strategy, in our cities and counties, that builds the political power of communities of color eventually to statewide victories,” continued Brown.

“Although there are impending election deadlines, it’s clear that more time for thorough public input and consideration of that input is needed to ensure that Fort Bend County precinct lines accurately reflect growth and provide fair and equal representation. Taking the appropriate amount of time to slow down the process so the maps can fairly incorporate both community input and census data is critical not only for current residents who call Fort Bend home, but for all future residents as well,” said Fort Bend County District Attorney Brian Middleton.

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This press release was sent out October 22, 2021.

TOP statement on the end of the third legislative special session

The following is a statement from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP) in response to the Texas House and Senate adjourning Sine Die, concluding the state’s third legislative special session:

“Governor Abbott and Texas Republicans proved to us again in this latest special session that it’s cruelty that drives their policy-making, not humanity and the issues affecting the daily lives of their constituents.

“From drawing redistricting maps that dilute the strength of voters of color, to passing policies that attack the dignity and violate the rights of transgender Texans, Abbott and his GOP enablers have once more prioritized callousness and discrimination over reason and progress.

“Since the very start, Abbott’s special sessions have been nothing more than partisan ‘dog and pony shows’ with the dual intention of scapegoating working-class Black and Latino Texans already reeling from this ongoing pandemic, and appeasing far-right extremists — notably the twice-impeached former president.

“These special sessions and the regressive policies they spawned have made crystal clear how pivotal next year’s elections will be to the future of our state. Coordinating with strategic partners, TOP remains committed to doing everything within our collective power to uphold Texans’ rights against Greg Abbott’s extremist agenda as we counter it by building a Texas For All where Black and Latino Texans are centered in advancing bold, progressive change that improves all of our communities.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out October 19, 2021.

TOP: “Abbott is endorsing Trump’s lies and demagoguery with his new Secretary of State selection”

The following is a statement from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP) in response to Governor Greg Abbott’s appointment of John Scott as Texas Secretary of State:

Governor Abbott is endorsing Donald Trump’s lies and demagoguery with his new Secretary of State selection, John Scott. Scott recently worked with Trump to falsely challenge the results of the 2020 election in Pennsylvania. It’s absurd to put Scott in charge of election administration when it’s clear he does not believe in our democratic institutions or the security of our elections. Abbott’s selection further shows us that he acts in the best interest of Trump, not the Texans he was elected to serve.

“By choosing Scott, an attorney who represented the former president in radical efforts to overturn last year’s election, Abbott is signaling to all across the state that he supports the undermining of free and fair elections, as well as the sabotage of democracy itself.

“Abbott, who just months ago forced through discriminatory legislation suppressing voters of color, is now paving the way for even more voter disenfranchisement and deceitful audits, all in a pathetic attempt to satisfy a man who incited a white supremacist insurrection at our nation’s Capitol.

“Time is working against Texas voters. Absolutely all options must be exhausted by Democrats in Congress to ensure immediate passage of the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Anything less is a dereliction of duty that leaves our state exposed to further attacks on our voting rights.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out October 21, 2021.

TOP supportive of DOJ investigation into Texas juvenile correctional facilities

The following statement is from Laquita Garcia, Statewide Right2Justice Policy Coordinator for Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the U.S. Department of Justice today announcing an investigation into five Texas juvenile correctional facilities:

“TOP applauds the Department of Justice for launching this investigation and looking into appalling allegations of abuse that have plagued our state’s juvenile justice system for years.

“It is paramount that the fundamental rights of our young people in these facilities are being fully observed and protected at all times.

“We expect nothing less than a thorough investigation to ensure that reports of mistreatment and inappropriate conduct from staff in these five juvenile facilities are acted upon swiftly with strong consequences.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out October 13, 2021.

Texas Organizing Project statement recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The following is a statement from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), on the organization’s observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day this year:

“Today, we join in honoring the past, present, and future of Indigenous people throughout not just the United States but the world, and recognize their vast histories, vibrant cultures, and incalculable contributions that have shaped society since the start of recorded history.

“We also acknowledge the destructive legacy of colonization in this country, rooted in white supremacy, which led to state-sanctioned genocide, forced assimilation, and violent removal of Indigenous peoples from ancestral lands spanning generations.

“The reverberations of these injustices continue to this day, and can be seen through disparities that exist for Indigenous people in areas such healthcare, education, housing, and the environment – issues that TOP organizes around, as we work to build solidarity across communities of color to dismantle the systemic racism that for far too has held us back.”

Laura Rios-Ramirez, a San Antonio TOP member of Indigenous Mexican heritage added:

“Indigenous communities today and everyday are fighting to protect our way of life, and our land and water, across North America, Central America, South America, and beyond. Colonization, as a tool of genocide, has erased the stories of our people many times over, especially in the Somi Se’k territories of what we now know as Texas and Northern Mexico. These territories served as a belt of migration and trade for millennia, as well as a settlement for displaced and detribalized people.

“Tribal nations like the Esto’k Gna, Carrizo, Carrizo Comecrudo, Apache, Coahuilteca, and many others that have ancestral ties to these lands have their respective everyday struggles with issues that intersect with TOP’s focus on racial and economic justice. Our fights are intrinsically linked.

“Commemorating Indigenous Peoples’ Day is just one important way how we can toss out the problematic “doctrine of discovery” and replace it with a doctrine of truth— one that proclaims that Indigenous peoples from across the hemisphere are very much alive today and declares our full rights to sovereignty, self-determination, and dignity.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out October 11, 2021.

TOP statement on Border Patrol agents brutally attacking Haitian asylum-seekers

The following statement is from Deyonne Primo, a Texas Organizing Project (TOP) member and immigrant from Guyana, in response to U.S. Border Patrol agents physically beating Haitians seeking asylum Monday:

“The U.S. government yesterday committed state violence against asylum-seekers in broad daylight.

“The usage of slave-era tactics to dehumanize Haitian refugees is just the latest disturbing escalation in our nation’s criminalization of migrants and those seeking asylum. 

“What we witnessed further shines a light on the everyday injustices our current immigration system, classist in structure and rooted in white supremacy, inflicts on those who are escaping dire conditions to seek a better life for themselves and their family. By building solidarity through connecting the lived experiences of Black and Latino migrants, TOP’s immigration justice campaign for now a decade has fought to transform this oppressive system from the inside out with progressive, humane policies.

“Having endured this summer the compounding tragedies of a presidential assassination, a massive earthquake claiming more than 2,000 lives, and a tropical storm causing widespread flooding, the Haitians settled along our southern border are refugees who must have their right to seek asylum fully honored.

“The Biden administration, namely DHS Secretary Mayorkas, must answer for this appalling display and be held accountable for the cruelty that transpired. Additionally, Republican Congressman Tony Gonzalez, who represents Del Rio, needs to recognize that increased militarization of our border will only lead to more suffering and make matters worse.

“In response to this humanitarian crisis, we are calling on our supporters to sign this petition demanding President Biden stop deportations of Haitian asylum-seekers. We also encourage donations to Haitian Bridge Alliance, an advocacy group working on the ground in Del Rio to help provide direct relief for these asylum-seekers at this pivotal time.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out September 21, 2021. 

TOP: “Our Congressional leaders cannot afford to throw in the towel and squander this historic opportunity”

The following statement is from Jessica Azua, Immigration Justice Director with Texas Organizing Project (TOP) in response to the Senate parliamentarian issuing a ruling yesterday stating that immigration policy changes did not comply with Senate procedural rules governing the reconciliation process:

“We are disappointed, but in no way deterred or defeated. Yesterday’s ruling from the unelected Senate Parliamentarian only strengthens our resolve to win justice for the millions of immigrants in our communities who have endured decades of inaction from our leaders on immigration reform.

“With so much on the line, Democrats in the House and Senate must move forward immediately with the alternate plans they have promised to our communities they have to ensure pathways to citizenship for DACA recipients, TPS holders, farm workers, and other essential workers.

“Our Congressional leaders cannot afford to throw in the towel and squander this historic opportunity. They need to keep their foot on the gas pedal and exhaust all options available to them to secure this much needed, long-awaited reform.

“Our communities will absolutely hold Democrats in Congress accountable and to their word. Failure is not an option.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out September 20, 2021.

TOP announces endorsement in Texas House District 118 special election

Following a thorough process of written questionnaires and virtual interviews, the members of Texas Organizing Project (TOP) have voted to endorse Frank Ramirez for State Representative in Texas House District 118’s special election.

James Hamilton, TOP member and Texas House District 118 resident issued the following statement:

“A product of San Antonio’s Southside, Frank Ramirez recognizes the unprecedented impact this pandemic has had on our state. He knows what working-class Black and Latino families are having to endure, and has the drive and knowledge needed to help Texas House District 118 residents get through this dire time.

“With years of experience in public service and a keen understanding of the legislative process, Frank will hit the ground running at the Texas Capitol to champion a bold policy agenda that puts the priorities of working-class communities first — from expanding access to affordable healthcare, to increasing funding for public schools, to teaming up with cities to improve infrastructure.

“TOP members are proud to endorse Frank and look forward to seeing him deliver for Bexar County residents in the Texas House of Representatives.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out September 19, 2021.

Missed opportunities in city budget to keep more San Antonians housed

The following is a statement from Marco Acuna and Devorah Frost, housing justice organizers with Texas Organizing Project (TOP) in response to the San Antonio city budget vote this week:

“San Antonio City Council missed a historic opportunity to invest in our communities with its city budget vote Thursday. As the pandemic continues, negatively impacting working-class San Antonians, the city budget passed falls short on providing the housing funds needed to keep more residents on the verge of eviction from slipping through the cracks.

“The City Budget is a moral document that reflects the values of our community. We applaud the recognition from Councilmembers Castillo, McKee-Rodriguez, and Bravo that our city’s housing programs are far from being adequately funded in this year’s budget. The City of San Antonio has chosen to instead use federal funds that are not yet disbursed to meet our needs. This is simply insufficient, given how there already is a troubling backlog of residents in need of housing and rental assistance.”

Liz Davila, TOP Education Fund board member and District 5 resident:

“At a time when thousands of San Antonians are still living paycheck-to-paycheck as a result of last year’s economic collapse, it’s abysmal that little over 1 percent of our city’s $3.1 billion budget goes toward housing. Our city leadership failed to prioritize in this budget the wellbeing of our residents during such a critical time.”

Kevin LeMelle, TOP board member and District 2 resident:

“TOP members spoke up for their neighborhoods and the need for more housing relief programs at multiple town halls and budget hearings over the past few weeks. As a whole, our mayor and city council didn’t listen; they botched an opportunity to come through in a deeper and more meaningful way for San Antonio residents who are still struggling to make ends meet. This city budget misses the mark.”

Karen Muñoz, TOP member and District 7 resident:

“While I’m disappointed that our council continues to shortchange housing, something that’s a downright injustice especially during this pandemic, I’m grateful for the new council members who showed us a better way is possible in San Antonio if we put more attention and resources toward addressing the basic needs of those who need it most. This city budget is nothing to take pride in, though. When vulnerable communities made clear they needed more in this dire time, our city’s top leaders shrugged their shoulders.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.

This statement was sent out September 18, 2021.

Battling voter suppression every inch of the way

Fueled by lies, paranoia, and racism, Texas Republicans are laser-focused this legislative session on making it harder for Black, Latino, and younger voters to cast their ballot.

Senate Bill (SB) 7, a Texas bill cut from the same cloth as the voter suppression law just passed in Georgia, made its way out of the Texas Senate last week, meaning it’s a dangerous step closer to becoming law. HB 6, a similar voter suppression bill in the Texas House, currently sits pending in committee.

Large Texas-based companies American Airlines and Dell voiced their opposition to these voter suppression bills in the last few days, and more are following suit. We need to urge our state representatives to say NO to Jim and Jane Crow 2.0.

TAKE ACTION: Click here to call your representative to demand they oppose SB 7 and HB 6.

WATCH today’s press conference featuring TOP, progressive statewide allies, as well as Black Voters Matter, Beto O’Rourke and Julián Castro in response to these racist voter suppression efforts.

For more information, call or text Devin Branch at (832) 705-2291.