Last month, I joined Florida Rising at their Statewide People’s Assembly in Miami. It felt like home — not just because I was surrounded by passionate organizers, but because we share a collective mission: to build power with Black and Latino communities and fight for a future where everyone can live free and thrive — no matter their race, gender, faith, or ZIP Code.
Standing with Florida Rising, I spoke about reclaiming our homes in both Texas and Florida — against those who push division and hate. We know that far-right extremists in both our states are working to cling to power by keeping people divided, but we also know that when we stand together in solidarity, we win.
Florida Rising is essentially a sister organization to Texas Organizing Project (TOP), doing in Florida what we are doing in Texas: organizing communities to challenge systems of oppression and change our democracy for the better. Just as Texas has radical ultra-conservative politicians, Florida is contending with far-right leaders who are determined to restrict freedoms, whether it’s attacking reproductive rights, undermining healthcare, or suppressing the right to vote. Our work is deeply connected — we are building a multi-state movement to fight these injustices and create a future where everyone’s voice is heard and valued.
The stories we shared at the Assembly reminded me that this fight is about more than resilience, it’s about regeneration. It’s not just about surviving the challenges we face, it’s about transforming our communities and creating a new reality where ALL can thrive. I’ll be continuing this conversation with Florida Rising’s Andrea Mercado on BlackTOP’s Instagram Live (@blacktoptexas) this Thursday, October 24 at 11:00 AM CT. We’ll reflect on what we learned at the Assembly and discuss what’s next for our movement as we head into the final pre-election stretch. Join us, bring your questions, and let’s keep building the future we deserve.