The following statement is from Dr. Doshie Piper, Board Co-President of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), born and raised in Houston, in reaction to the sudden passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner:

“As a champion for Houstonians for decades, the staff and members of Texas Organizing Project are saddened to hear of the passing of Congressman Sylvester Turner.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all impacted by his more than 35 years of public service to Houston and our state as a whole.”

Michelle Tremillo, TOP Co-Executive Director added:

“From the Texas House, to City Hall, to the halls of Congress, Sylvester Turner fought day in and day out for the fundamental rights of all of his constituents and fellow Texans.

“The Congressman’s advocacy for voting rights, affordable housing, healthcare access, and climate justice has positively transformed our Houston communities, and his legacy will be felt by future generations.”

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About Texas Organizing Project:

TOP 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.

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Co-Executive Director on the organization celebrating the foundational role of women, especially Black and Latina women, this Women’s History Month:

“Women inspire, women lead, and women manifest. We have been the backbone of every movement for societal progress over the course of history.

“Founded and led by women, TOP every day lifts up the legacies of freedom-fighting women, especially Black and Latina women, whose vision and commitment to justice move us closer to our North Star of full liberation — women like Jovita Ida and Fannie Lou Hamer.

“We’re here to reimagine what is possible, transform the world, win a better future for ourselves and our loved ones, and we’re not stopping.”

Mary Guzman, TOP Education Fund board member, added:

“No amount of petty, backwards policy will hold us back from our collective desire as women to pour into our families, our communities, and lead our best lives.

“Each and every one of us — regardless of the color of skin, the language we speak, or where we call home —  has the power to be a catalyst for groundbreaking change, and it is our organizing that empowers new generations of women to contribute in powerful ways and fully realize their dreams.”

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About Texas Organizing Project

TOP 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.