The following statement is from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day this year:

“Today, we echo the piercing and principled words of the King family, “No celebration without legislation.”

“Honoring the legacy of Dr. King means enshrining the expansion of voting rights he and other civil rights leaders so courageously championed and put their lives on the line for.

“At a time when access to the ballot box, a cornerstone of our nation’s democracy, is being systematically attacked by right-wing politicians, the need for our Democratic-controlled Senate to bypass the archaic filibuster to codify voting rights protections has never been greater. 

“Surrender from Senate Democrats on this issue would be a slap in the face to the millions of Black and Latino voters across the country whose rights are being threatened, as well as an insult to the memory of Dr. King himself.”

TOP board member Ray Brackens of Houston added:

“Throughout the day today, our social media feeds will be flooded with quotes from the great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – a share disgustingly coming from the same Republican leaders who support and have passed discriminatory voting restrictions. 

“Just as we are sick and tired of these officials whitewashing the words of a justice-fighting icon, we are fed up with congressional inaction on comprehensive voting rights legislation.

“Each day that passes that Senators Joe Manchin and Krysten Sinema prioritize preserving old legislative procedure over protecting the fundamental right to vote is a win for far-right extremists and a slight to what Dr. King selflessly fought for.

“Enough with the stalling and lip service. Democrats must deliver on voting rights now by passing the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend 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 January 17, 2022.

With one week until Senate Majority Leader Schumer’s deadline to pass filibuster reform for voting rights, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Director Michelle Tremillo released the following statement: 

“Senate Democrats next week have the power and responsibility to protect voting rights – to counter voting restrictions shamelessly put in place by right-wing politicians across the country to dilute the electoral strength of Black and Latino voters. Millions of Americans are counting on Senate Majority Leader Schumer and his caucus to deliver a meaningful breakthrough in the fight to preserve our fundamental right to vote. 

“Last year, Texas House Democrats righteously used parliamentary procedures to their advantage to prevent Governor Abbott’s voter suppression bill from becoming law – even travelling to Washington to urge Congress to take action – but their efforts were not enough to stop the discriminatory legislation from being enacted. It is now up to our federal leaders to step up and prevent further erosion of access to the ballot box.

“It is critical Senate Democrats stick to the January 17 deadline that the Senate Majority Leader has set. As we have seen in Texas and across the country, as more and more restrictions are placed on who can vote and how, time is running out. We need strong protections for voting rights, and we need them now. No more delays.”

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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 January 10, 2022.

The following statement is from Michelle Tremillo, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the one-year mark of white supremacist supporters of former President Trump storming the U.S. Capitol in an attempt to subvert the results of a national election:

“A year ago today, millions across the world watched in disbelief as a deadly insurrection transpired on the grounds and in the halls of our nation’s Capitol.

“No matter how much Republicans try to downplay what took place, the facts are indisputable: former President Donald Trump on January 6 of last year incited a white nationalist attack on Congress as he and his allies sought to reverse the will of voters and dismantle democracy itself in our country.

“Unless all involved in this attempted far-right overthrow of our government are held accountable for their heinous acts, this will undoubtedly happen again. The need for House and Senate Democrats to enshrine voting rights and prevent the sabotaging of our democratic processes has never been greater. Free and fair elections in our country will cease as we know it if no legislation is passed protecting them.”

Tearyne Almendariz, a TOP board member, added:

“For weeks after the 2020 general election, Trump and his enablers peddled racist lies scapegoating Black and Latino voters, spreading completely unfounded claims of voter fraud in communities of color, laying the groundwork for this direct assault.

“It is disgusting, though in no way surprising, to see right-wing media and politicians minimize the sinister display of white supremacy we witnessed.

“The mounting evidence of preparation and coordination of this attack only underscores the urgency for our elected leaders in Washington to do everything in their power to stop this demagoguery from silencing the voices and threatening the lives of people of color across the country. This includes passing the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act in full without any further delay.”

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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris, Bexar, and Fort Bend 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 January 6, 2022.