TOP: ​”Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action​”

The Texas Organizing Project (TOP) celebrates Juneteenth 2024. This day, rooted in the history of Galveston, Texas, where Black enslaved Texans were informed of their freedom on June 19, 1865, symbolizes the ongoing fight for true liberation and the continuous delay for justice.

Angela Davis, renowned activist and scholar, describes Juneteenth as a “day that calls us to remember the sacrifices of our ancestors while urging us to continue the struggle for justice.” TOP remains steadfast in its mission to build power with Black and Latino communities across Texas through community organizing and civic engagement, 

Terrance Koontz, “TK,” TOP’s Director of Culture and Organizational Development, emphasizes the importance of Juneteenth in today’s context:

“Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone; it is a beacon of hope and a call to action. As an organization, we have embarked on a movement’s journey to challenge the greed and injustice of racial capitalism because for too long the rich and powerful have dictated the rules of the game. We know that the world we inherited was built off the backs of the people they enslaved, the land of indigenous people they stole, and the earth that they continue to exploit. This is not the legacy that we will pass down to our children. This Juneteenth, let us recommit ourselves to the work of building stronger together a future where every Texan – no matter their race, age, gender, or background – can thrive.”

Tempestt McHenry, Co-President of the TOP Workers Union, shares her perspective on the significance of Juneteenth for workers and communities:

“Juneteenth represents freedom, resilience, and the power of collective action. It is a reminder that our struggle for workers’ rights is deeply intertwined with the broader fight for racial and economic justice. As we celebrate this day, we honor the contributions of Black workers throughout history and recognize the ongoing challenges they face today. It was in 2021 that TOP held its first observance of Juneteenth as a staff holiday, as we commemorated it as #BlackLivesMatter Day, a day for Black joy and resistance. We’re proud to be celebrating it as such ever since, as we grow and make strides as a Pro-Black organization. For us, Juneteenth will be a day of respite and reflection, of jubilation and freedom dreaming. That is what liberation looks like to us: finding the possibility in all that seems impossible.”

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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.

TOP PAC continues to move the needle of progressive political power in Texas, fighting off right-wing hate and disinformation

The following statement is from Brianna Brown, Co-Executive Director of Texas Organizing Project (TOP), reflecting on TOP PAC’s efforts in the 2024 Texas Democratic Primary:

“TOP PAC launched an intensive candidate screening process at the end of 2023 with the goal of endorsing primary candidates who are unwavering in their commitment to enshrining our rights, protecting our freedoms, and fighting far-right MAGA extremism ― all while transforming our state into a place where Black and Latino Texans can thrive. The result was a slate of 13 endorsed leaders ready to champion progressive policies that will benefit ALL communities across our state.

“These past four weeks, TOP PAC’s get-out-the-vote campaign knocked on 128,567 doors in Bexar, Dallas, and Harris counties, informing working Texans not only about our endorsed candidates, but about issues that affect their daily lives ― ranging from housing and healthcare, to immigration reform, legal system reform, and public education. A coalition consisting of TOP PAC, Working Families Party, Working People’s PAC (Gulf Coast AFL-CIO), Unemployed Workers United, and Texas Justice & Public Safety PAC collectively knocked on more than 160,000 doors in Harris County over the course of the primary.

“TOP PAC’s comprehensive voter engagement work is critical in connecting everyday issues to the ballot box and, ultimately, the officeholders who we elect and work to hold accountable. We saw this in real-time Tuesday, as TOP PAC’s GOTV program helped unseat Harris County DA Kim Ogg, an incumbent who strayed from implementing reforms, and who was using her elected office to launch political attacks on county officials. 

“This on-the-ground consistent voter engagement work is such an important part of our mission to create a true Texas that reflects our values and uplifts each and every person ― regardless of age, race, gender, income, or faith.

Dr. Doshie Piper, TOP Board President, added:

“We understand that there is no way to establish progressive power in our state — to actually create a Texas that works for everyone — without meaningful and consistent voter engagement in Black and Latino neighborhoods.

“Each and every election cycle, TOP PAC works to expand and strengthen the progressive infrastructure in our communities, which allows us to connect with these voters and mobilize them around issues that matter deeply to them. This is how we change the political landscape in our state and put more power into the hands of Black and Latino Texans. This is how we win the change all Texans deserve.”

TOP PAC congratulates the following endorsed candidates in advancing or winning their Democratic primary races:

Harris County

Sean Teare for Harris County District Attorney (Win)
Christian Menefee for Harris County Attorney (Win)
Sheila Jackson Lee for Congress, TX-18 (Win)
Molly Cook for Texas Senate, Dist. 15 (Runoff)
Lauren Ashley Simmons for Texas State Representative, Dist. 146 (Runoff)

Bexar County

Kristian Carranza for Texas State Representative, Dist. 118 (Win)
Rebeca Clay-Flores for Bexar County Commissioner, Pct. 1 (Runoff)

Dallas County

Cassandra Hernandez for Texas State Representative, Dist. 115 (Win)

Travis County

José Garza for Travis County District Attorney (Win)

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About Texas Organizing Project (TOP) PAC:
TOP PAC runs the largest, independent get-out-the-vote political field programs in Texas, focusing on expanding the electorate of color, with an emphasis on turning out Black and Latino voters. To date, TOP PAC has mobilized hundreds of thousands of voters across the state with the aim of building a reflective democracy — one that looks like us and shares our values. Learn more at toppac.org.

This press release was sent out March 6, 2024.

TOP reflects on and celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

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

“Today, TOP joins in lifting up the past, present, and futures of Indigenous peoples in not just the United States, but around the world.

“As an organization committed to ending systemic oppression in our country as a result of racial capitalism, TOP recognizes the land we inhabit is fraught with violent stories of Indigenous suffering and resistance against the genocidal tool of colonization.

“Injustices faced by Indigenous communities, both then and now, are a stark reminder of the institutional racism embedded in the U.S. – stemming from instruments of white supremacy, from chattel slavery to our current carceral system.  

“TOP now practices land acknowledgments in our work because the land reflects the struggles, the strength, and the stories of the people that continue to shape it. As TOP transforms and unequivocally shifts toward becoming a pro-Black organization, we understand racial justice intersects with the fight for Indigenous rights, immigrants’ rights, and economic justice.

“Through building power across BIPOC communities, we are collectively lifting each other up, learning from our mutual experiences, and fighting for liberation of us all – no matter the color of our skin, the language we speak, or where we call home.”

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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.

TOP reflects as National Hispanic Heritage Month starts

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

“This month and every month, TOP celebrates the lives, contributions, and sacrifices of those across our diverse Latino communities whose resilience and tenacity has shaped the United States and our society for generations.

“It is the vibrancy of our Latinidad – inclusive of and strengthened by our Afro-Latino and Indigenous brothers and sisters – that strikes fear into the hearts of not just far-right extremists, but corporate bosses who for centuries have wielded racial capitalism to divide us.

“As an organization committed to racial and economic justice, we’re not playing their colonial game entrenched in anti-Blackness and colorism; we’re flipping the script because we know the fates of Black and Latino Americans are inextricably linked.

“Attaining our collective liberation will require an unshakeable solidarity that spans race, gender, age, background, language, and economic status – a solidarity ingrained in TOP’s mission and demonstrated every day in the communities we organize.

“This is how we build our movement – by affirming that we are stronger together. This is how we create the Texas of our dreams where every person can thrive, a Texas for all.”

Julie Vazquez, TOP board member from Dallas County, added:

“GOP “leaders” like Gov. Greg Abbott and Donald Trump try to marginalize us at every turn, because they know the sheer power of our communities and how we are a threat to the status quo.

“Latinos are now more than 63 million strong nationwide, with 12 million of us residing in Texas alone, officially making up the biggest share of our state’s population as of this year.

“It is on us to bring our best selves to this fight for the future Black, Latino, and all Texans deserve; a future where healthcare is more accessible, housing is more affordable, public education is more supported, and our legal system is more just. TOP remains unwavering in showing up to this fight and doing the gritty on-the-ground organizing work needed to win.”

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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.

Celebrating Women’s History Month at TOP

Women are the heartbeat of the world: setting the agenda, driving change, building and flexing power for the common good, and achieving what was once the unimaginable.

As a group founded and led by women across the organization, TOP this month and every month channels the indomitable spirit of freedom-fighting women who came before us, with special focus on revolutionary women of color who, through, vision, immense struggle and sacrifice, have made countless contributions that have brought us closer to our collective liberation.

We are not asking for a ‘seat at the table’; we are unapologetically building our own while redefining what is possible every day through our very existence, and women of color are leading the way.

Throughout the month of March on TOP’s social media, we will be highlighting the contributions of women icons in the movement, as well as uplifting the work of TOP members and staff.

Check out our Women’s History Month playlist on Spotify.

Follow TOP’s official Spotify account.

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Ramping up our calls for Medicaid expansion in Texas

Join TOP and #SickOfItTX coalition allies virtually this Friday, March 5, for #MedEx4TX Advocacy Day — a day of action calling on our elected officials in the Texas Legislature to #ExpandMedicaid now!

Texas can’t recover while Texans aren’t covered, and our state continues to have the highest uninsured rate in the nation. Last year, more than 1.6 million Texans lost a job, and with it, their health insurance.

Healthcare is a human right. Texans need coverage and Texas leaders can do something about it. Over 2.2 million Texans could gain coverage if our state expands Medicaid.

Sign up to be a part of a #MedEx4TX Advocacy Day and make your voice heard Friday.

Share the Facebook event here.

For more information, call or text Sofia Sepulveda at (210) 202-8678.

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Stepping up to assist Texans still recovering from Winter Storm Uri

Public hearings on Gov. Abbott’s ERCOT are done for now, and as much as our governor tries to escape blame, Texans know he’s responsible for our state’s horrible preparation and response to Winter Storm Uri.

The winter storm was brutal for all across Texas, but once again, Black and Latino families endured the worst of Gov. Abbott’s incompetence, with many still struggling through hardship right now as a result.

In response, TOP has teamed up on the ground with partners Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio to ensure our communities continue to receive the resources they need to recover, including clean water, food, and some immediate direct cash assistance for relief.

Donate to the Power Up Texas Fund to support families still recovering from the devastating winter storm.

We appreciate all who have already donated to the fund. TOP is committed to holding Gov. Abbott accountable for this massive, avoidable disaster, while making sure Black and Latino communities are not left struggling due to his failures.

Also, if you’re a San Antonio resident, you’re invited to be part of a winter storm recovery virtual meeting we’re hosting TODAY, March 2, at 6 p.m. — RSVP ON FACEBOOK HERE.

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Strengthening our movement through the power of music

Through our celebrations, struggles, and just everyday life, music plays a vital role in how we connect with one another, as well as how we see the world around us. It’s also a powerful tool for collective expression and a driving force for societal change.

That’s why for all you fellow music lovers out there, TOP now has its own Spotify account! Follow us on Spotify here.

In the weeks and months to come, expect us to share curated playlists that complement our issue-based campaigns and our fight for justice.

Listen to TOP’s first Spotify playlist here!

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Our state lawmakers need to hear from us. Submit your winter storm story!

This Thursday, February 25, the Texas House of Representatives will hold a public hearing in Austin to address ERCOT’s lack of preparedness for this winter storm, but Gov. Abbott doesn’t want to testify about his administration’s failures that led to power outages and impacted water supplies across the state. To make matters worse, only invited guests will be allowed to speak.

TOP and our allies want to make sure these legislators know how the freezing temperatures, power outages, and water shortages have impacted you and your family. So we’re inviting you to share your written and video testimony as we demand answers for Texans.

Your powerful stories will be shared publicly with Gov. Abbott, ERCOT, and the hearing officials on the day of the hearing so that your voice can be heard. #AbbottBlackout

SHARE YOUR STORY HERE.

TOP in the news

Texas Tribune: Gov. Abbott prioritized changing how bail is set. He isn’t addressing people stuck behind bars because they can’t afford to pay.

Telemundo San Antonio: Inquilinos denuncian problemas de moho en complejo de apartamentos

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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Plug in to our Right2Justice meetings this week

Live in Bexar or Dallas counties and want to transform our legal system? Join our online campaign meetings this week!

During these meetings, we’ll share with you the progress of our justice reform efforts at the local level and strategize on our work for the months ahead, from fighting mass incarceration, to enacting bail reform, to ending police brutality.

Bexar County Right2Justice meeting
Tuesday, February 9, at 5 p.m.
Facebook event with more info
For more information, call or text Dan Stanford at (210) 765-8435.

Dallas County Right2Justice meeting
Thursday, February 11, at 6 p.m.
Facebook event with more info
For more information, call or text Carvell Bowens at (214) 934-8558.

TOP in the news

Raw Story: Democrats are ‘clearly poised’ for a Georgia-like victory in Texas: journalist

TOP is YOUR organization!

Your contribution drives our work and allows us to fight for our neighborhoods every day.

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