TOP Leads Community Effort for System Set to Transform Legal Representation for Low-Income Defendants

SAN ANTONIO, TX — This past Saturday, June 24, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) championed the cause of justice reform in Bexar County at a well-attended community luncheon. More than 100 community members celebrated the rollout of the Managed Assigned Counsel (MAC) system, an initiative aimed at providing fair legal representation to more county residents, specifically low-income defendants and those who are awaiting trial.

Set to become Texas’s largest when fully launched later this year, the MAC system intends to curtail unwarranted jail time and raise the standard of legal defense for adults and youth facing misdemeanor and felony charges. Additionally, the system will extend access to mental health services and offer an in-house immigration attorney.

Laquita Garcia, TOP’s Statewide Right2Justice Coordinator, proudly stated, “TOP pushed for the MAC system through intensive community organizing, reflecting our unyielding commitment to ending the mass incarceration and criminalization of poverty affecting Black and Latino people in Texas. We’re proud to have led this community-driven win to transform our justice system into one that is more equitable and just.”

Judges from several local courts echoed Garcia’s sentiments and applauded TOP’s role in the MAC system’s implementation:

Honorable Judge Melanie Lira (County Court 7) said, “We needed someone to be able to connect and communicate with these attorneys so that way we know that they are providing effective assistance. What the MAC is doing is exactly that.”

Honorable Judge Ron Rangel (Texas 379th District Court), commended TOP’s role in the implementation of the MAC. “Already you’re seeing results,” Rangel said. “This could not have happened without the community support. It could not have happened without the pressure you, TOP, your organization has put on the county. Thanks so much for that.”

Honorable Judge Yolanda Huff (County Court 12) also voiced her support for the new system: “I’m a big supporter of the MAC program. It’s not always about sending somebody to jail. I’m a big proponent that if you have a mental health issue, you do not need to be in jail.”

The event marked a significant step in Bexar County’s commitment to creating a fair and more equitable justice system, a cause TOP is dedicated to championing for all Texans – no matter their age, race, gender, background, or geographic location.

### 

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 Terrance “TK” Koontz of BlackTOP, in reflection and observance of this year’s Juneteenth:

“In Juneteenth is an unrelenting legacy rooted in the pursuit of Black liberation – a call to action that demands society implement transformative change to reverse damage inflicted by racial capitalism, and manifest a future where all Black people – no matter their age, gender, or nationality – can fully realize their dreams. 

“Now three years into this day being recognized as a federal holiday, it speaks to the white supremacy still woven into the fabric of our nation’s institutions that right-wing officials work around the clock to undermine our inherent rights and humanity at all levels of government. Our very existence is in itself an act of resistance. 

“Building the future all Black Americans deserve will require a complete overhaul of every aspect of how this country sustains itself. We must remember we have never seen the America we’ve been fighting for. May this realization restore and drive us.”

Dr. Doshie Piper, TOP Board President, added:

“Together, let us engage in dialogue, promote education, and take collective action to challenge the systemic inequities that hold our communities back. Juneteenth serves as a renewed call to unite against racial and economic injustice, forging a path toward a more equitable Texas and a nation that uplifts and empowers every Black person, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. This is why we organize. 

“On this Juneteenth, we honor the ancestors we stand on the shoulders of, acknowledge the present, and work tirelessly toward a future where race and class are no longer barriers to justice and opportunity.

“Creating a Texas and America where freedom and prosperity are accessible to all is up to us.”

###

About BlackTOP

BlackTOP was built on the premise that the future of Texas rests in organizing Black folks across the state and getting US to the polls. With offices in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, BlackTOP launched canvassing programs across multiple Texas counties to talk to, organize, and mobilize Black voters ahead of the 2022 election. For more information, visit blacktoptexas.org.

The following statement is from Jessica Azua, Immigration Justice Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to the expiration of the implementation of Title 42 this week along our nation’s southern border:

“No matter your race, age, background, or economic status, seeking asylum is a fundamental human right.

“Title 42 was underhandedly used by the anti-immigrant Trump administration to restrict access to asylum and other humanitarian protections. It’s past due time the Biden administration stops enforcing this policy that violates both U.S. and international human rights law. 

“The end of Title 42 marks an important step toward a more humane and dignified immigration system, but so much more must be done to make this proposed future a reality.

“No more excuses: Congress must prioritize the human rights of migrants and refugees. As we recognize the end of the use of Title 42, we can’t allow policies like President Biden’s new proposed asylum ban and the aggressive expansion of expedited removal proceedings to become the new normal.  

“Counter to far-right xenophobia, we will always welcome people seeking refuge into our communities, work to ensure they have access to the resources they need to thrive, and continue to push for the humane and dignified immigration system that our country so desperately needs.”

###

About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)
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.

This statement was sent out May 13, 2023.

Statement from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP):

“Texas Organizing Project (TOP) is deeply saddened and outraged by the clear display of white supremacy that took place at the Allen outlet mall in Texas this past weekend killing eight Texans, including two elementary school-age sisters and a 3-year-old boy.

“The absolute least Texas House officials could have done in response this week was to have scheduled HB 2744 – which would have raised the minimum purchase age for semi-automatic weapons in the state to 21 years old –  for a full House floor vote before the legislative session ends. The policy is supported by a majority of Texans, with 76% of Texas voters support raising the gun purchase age from 18 to 21.

“While details of the investigation are still unfolding, it’s known the shooter openly espoused white supremacist beliefs and targeted Jews and women in his social media posts. This heinous act of violence is a sobering reminder that hate and the dangerous ideology of white supremacy continue to plague our society.

“As an organization committed to advancing racial and economic justice, TOP understands full well there’s a throughline between white supremacy and the growing number of violent attacks across Texas and our country, and we are steadfast in condemning and combating violence stemming from white supremacist ideology at every turn.

“This includes fighting to dismantle structures that perpetuate white supremacy in our country today, as we strive to create an equitable, more just future for all communities.”

###

About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)

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.

This statement was sent out May 10, 2023.

The following statements are from TOP members in Bexar County in response to TOP-endorsed candidates Jalen McKee-Rodriguez (Dist. 2) and Teri Castillo (Dist. 5) handily winning re-election to San Antonio City Council:

Dr. Doshie Piper of San Antonio, TOP Board President:

“In the face of vicious attacks on his identity this election, Jalen McKee-Rodrigeuz is proudly returning to San Antonio City Hall and is ready to continue delivering results for all District 2 residents — no matter their age, race, or background. From his first campaign to now, TOP has supported Jalen as he has championed progressive policies to improve the lives of San Antonians, ranging from housing and policing reforms to infrastructure investments. We know more is on the horizon for District 2, as Jalen remains committed to defending the rights of constituents while fighting for bold and equitable solutions to advance our city.”

Elizabeth Davila of San Antonio, TOP member:

“Fresh off a dominant election night, Teri Castillo is prepared to get back to work at City Hall and fight for everyday San Antonians. TOP has seen firsthand Teri’s passion for serving District 5 and her level of attentiveness when it comes to ensuring constituents’ needs are heard. Our city is in need of more knowledgeable, people-powered leaders like Teri who want to build a future where all residents can live free and thrive. We are proud to have helped her win re-election and look forward to continuing to work with her to win more progressive change to improve quality of life in San Antonio.”

### 

About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)

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.

This statement was sent out May 6, 2023.

Statement from Dr. Doshie Piper, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) Board President, calling on the Texas House to pass HB 12:

“Texas has one of the highest maternal death rates across the U.S. Black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white mothers. This is a public health crisis, and it’s time for the Texas Legislature to take action.

“House Bill 12 would significantly cut our maternal death rate by allowing Texans with Medicaid to stay covered for a full year after their pregnancies — rather than kicking them off after just two months under current law. That means moms are covered for complications, check-ups, postpartum depression, and more. It also means Texans — especially Black moms — will be better equipped to seek out care, stay healthy, and live full lives.

“TOP urges the Texas Legislature to pass House Bill 12 and invest in the health and well-being of our mothers and families. If we care about the health and well-being of moms in Texas, it’s the right thing to do.”

###

About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)

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.

This statement was sent out April 20, 2023.

The following statement is from Jessica Azua, Immigration Justice Director of the Texas Organizing Project (TOP), in response to President Joe Biden announcing Thursday his administration will expand healthcare coverage for DACA recipients:

“This move from the Biden administration is as appreciated as it is needed. An estimated 47 percent of people likely eligible for DACA are uninsured, compared to 10 percent of U.S.-born people in their age group.

“Growing up in and contributing to our communities, DACA recipients’ access to healthcare is vital to our country’s future success. This critical expansion of affordable healthcare access through Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance exchanges will provide hundreds of thousands of DACA recipients and their family members with financial relief and added peace of mind.

“Also, to hear President Biden firmly state that healthcare is a right in his remarks is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for our movement. No matter one’s status, age, race, gender, or income, we all deserve accessible and affordable quality healthcare.

“Now we expect Biden to hold true to his word and ensure this new policy is widely publicized to DACA recipients and implemented in full. Additionally, we renew our call for him and his administration to do everything within their power to not only protect the DACA program from politically-motivated attacks, but provide a pathway to citizenship for all DACA recipients.”

###

About Texas Organizing Project (TOP)

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.

This statement was sent out April 14, 2023.

The following statement is from Terrance “TK” Koontz of BlackTOP, in response to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott pushing to pardon Daniel Perry, a man convicted Friday of murdering Garrett Foster at a Black Lives Matter protest in Austin in 2020:

“While Gov. Abbott disregards the treatment of Black and Latino Texans who demand justice by exercising their right to protest, bold Texans continue to call for an end to police brutality, discriminatory housing practices, and a healthcare system based in racism. Through his latest actions, Abbott is submitting to the will of far-right radicals at the expense of everyday working Texans. This latest ploy by Abbott is a message to all who fight for justice that their lives have no value in the eyes of Republican state leaders. Abbott’s words and behavior epitomize poor leadership, and show his lack of vision for making Texas into a state where all can thrive, a Texas4All.”

“His call to invalidate a guilty verdict reached by a jury of Daniel Perry’s peers only a day after being goaded on-air by shameless bigot Tucker Carlson proves how unfit he is to lead Texas. It underscores his inability to champion humane solutions to matters that impact our daily lives. Abbott is blinded by his decades of prejudice against historically marginalized people in our state – Black Texans in particular.”

“We are keeping in our thoughts the loved ones of Garrett Foster, including his fiancée Whitney Mitchell who Garrett was helping protest that fateful day, as they are having any shred of justice cruelly taken away from them.” 

###

BlackTOP was built on the premise that the future of Texas rests in organizing Black folks across the state and getting US to the polls. With offices in Houston, Dallas and San Antonio, BlackTOP launched canvassing programs across multiple Texas counties to talk to, organize, and mobilize Black voters ahead of the 2022 election. For more information, visit blacktoptexas.org.

This statement was sent out April 11, 2023.

Following a thorough process of written questionnaires and interviews, Texas Organizing Project (TOP) members of Bexar County have voted to endorse Jalen McKee-Rodriguez for re-election to San Antonio City Council District 2, and Teri Castillo for re-election to San Antonio City Council District 5. TOP members also voted to endorse Proposition A, the San Antonio Justice Charter.

TOP Board President Dr. Doshie Piper of Bexar County:

“The first openly gay Black man to be elected to any office in Texas, Jalen McKee-Rodriguez has worked to improve quality of life for every resident of District 2 — no matter age, race, or background. Jalen’s community engagement efforts have been undeniable as he has been an active force for good while on City Council, championing pandemic relief, neighborhood infrastructure investments, as well as housing and policing reforms. He’s looking out for everyday working San Antonians, and just as in 2021, TOP is proud to be in his corner this election.

TOP Bexar County Leadership Team member Jade Pacheco:

“From her time as a housing organizer to now, Teri Castillo has made clear she is committed to lifting up working San Antonio families and creating a better city where every person can grow and thrive. More importantly, she has shown a commitment to equity in issues that impact our lives and those of our neighbors, ranging from tenants’ rights, to healthcare, to climate change, to local law enforcement. In her first term, Teri has proven to be a progressive fighter, and as TOP we are excited to get out the vote for her once again so she can continue to get results for District 5.”

TOP Board Member Kevin LeMelle of Bexar County:

“Through the San Antonio Justice Charter, we have an opportunity to vote for a brighter future for the entire city — especially for Black and Latino residents. This package of common sense reforms will decrease unnecessary arrests, reduce racial profiling in policing, conserve city resources, make our communities safer, and save lives once passed at the ballot box. Every San Antonian deserves to feel safe and have their dignity upheld. This citywide proposition gets us closer to that.”

###

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 March 24, 2023.

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of the Texas Organizing Project, in reaction to bodycam footage made public Friday of five Black Memphis police officers violently beating Tyre Nichols on the streets of his neighborhood, ultimately leading to his death: 

“These gruesome, sinister acts captured on video and released to the public once again confirm to Black people across the country what we already know to be true: that law enforcement dehumanizes us.

“The sheer brutality inflicted on Tyre Nichols further shows how the violent legacy of white supremacy is still at the foundation of policing institutions in the United States today, no matter the race or ethnicity of officers. As report after report continues to show, Black people are still killed by police at a higher rate than other groups.

“One does not have to subject themself to watching trauma-inducing footage of Black death to fully understand the magnitude of the atrocity committed by Memphis police.

“Only yards away from the safety of his home, it was a reprehensible abuse of power of the badge that ended Tyre’s life. There is no justification whatsoever for the inhumanity unleashed on him.

“With raised fists, our hearts are with the Nichols family during this emotionally jarring time. We demand these officers be held to nothing short of full accountability for their vile actions. Eliminating police brutality is only possible through a complete, community-driven overhaul and reimagining of policing itself ― a fight TOP continues to be fully committed to.”

Synnachia McQueen, a TOP Right2Justice campaign member in Harris County, added: 

“Pepper-sprayed, tased, and horrifically beaten, Tyre Nichol’s murder is indicative of a legal system that for centuries has devalued and dehumanized Black lives at each turn.

“Every person ― regardless of where they come from, what they look like, or where they live ― is deserving of having their basic rights respected and dignity upheld.

“To be clear, a beloved son and father is no longer with us because five Memphis police officers ruthlessly violated Tyre’s rights and dignity AND because their actions are rooted in the history of white supremacy in this country. The officers and the system must be held to account.”

###

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 28, 2023.