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Tag: Texas

‘An Unjust Law Is No Law At All’: Philadelphia Councilperson Helen Gym On Immigration & Texas Bill SB4
Activists hold signs reading "Immigrants: We get the job done" and "No human is illegal" written in multiple languages. Austin, Texas on January 20, 2017. (Kit O'Connell, CC license)
August 7, 2017
Kit
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‘An Unjust Law Is No Law At All’: Philadelphia Councilperson Helen Gym On Immigration & Texas Bill SB4

Posted in Austin, Creative Commons, Journalism, and Video

Helen Gym, vice-chair of Local Progress, a nonprofit representing progressive elected officials from around the United States, and a member of the Philadelphia City Council, spoke to a crowd of activists and other elected officials at the Texas Legislature on July 28, 2017. The rally gathered in opposition to SB4, the recently signed law which would overrule local protections on undocumented immigrants and force law enforcement officials to actively participate in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions. It’s been compared to a “supercharged” version of Arizona’s infamous “Show Us Your Papers” law.

Over 150 elected officials signed off on a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott opposing the law.  In her speech, Gym compared SB4 to similar bills that have been introduced in other parts of the country.

Read more‘An Unjust Law Is No Law At All’: Philadelphia Councilperson Helen Gym On Immigration & Texas Bill SB4
Jose Garza Of Workers Defense Project: Immigrants Rights Movement A ‘Powder Keg’ With A Burning Fuse (VIDEO)
Activists gather after a sit-in at the Texas Governors office against SB4, the anti-sanctuary cities bill, on May 1, 2017. (Kit O'Connell, CC license)
August 4, 2017
Kit
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Jose Garza Of Workers Defense Project: Immigrants Rights Movement A ‘Powder Keg’ With A Burning Fuse (VIDEO)

Posted in Austin, Creative Commons, Journalism, and Video

On July 28, 2017, activists rallied at the Texas Capitol in opposition to SB4, the “Show Us Your Papers” / anti-sanctuary cities bill passed during the recently completed legislative session, and currently facing a lawsuit backed by the majority of Texas’ major municipalities. The event was organized by Local Progress, a nonprofit representing progressive elected officials from around the United States, and over 150 elected officials have now signed off on a letter opposing the anti-immigrant law. Many of these officials were present during the rally.

In this video, Jose P. Garza, executive director at Workers’ Defense Project, explains how his organization encouraged Austin City Council members and other local officials to come out in opposition to the law, and he issues a warning to Gov. Greg Abbott:

Read moreJose Garza Of Workers Defense Project: Immigrants Rights Movement A ‘Powder Keg’ With A Burning Fuse (VIDEO)
Texas Legislature Special Session, Activism & Respect For Politicians (Black Tower Radio)
Activists in pink t-shirts enter the Texas House on on a day of lobbying for Planned Parenthood. July 31, 2017. (Kit O'Connell, Creative Commons license)
August 2, 2017
Kit
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Texas Legislature Special Session, Activism & Respect For Politicians (Black Tower Radio)

Posted in Audio, Austin, Gonzo Notes, and Journalism

On the first Wednesday of every month, I appear on Black Tower Radio to discuss my latest journalism.

Texas Republicans ensured that the legislature would close earlier this year with crucial business unfinished, forcing Gov. Greg Abbott to call for a special session that reopens the door to unpopular issues like new abortion restrictions, attacks on transgender rights, and even new laws restricting unions, Planned Parenthood, and the protection of historic trees.

Also, what respect do we owe politicians and government officials? What kinds of activism are appropriate when human lives and the planet are at stake?

Read moreTexas Legislature Special Session, Activism & Respect For Politicians (Black Tower Radio)
VIDEO: Why Public Education Matters For Disabled Students In Texas
Lisa Flores speaks to the One Texas Resistance Rally, marking the opening of the Texas Legislature special session, at the State Capitol on July 18, 2017. (Kit O'Connell)
July 29, 2017
Kit
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VIDEO: Why Public Education Matters For Disabled Students In Texas

Posted in Austin, Creative Commons, Journalism, and Video

In this short video, recorded July 18 2017, Lisa Flores explains why public education matters for disabled students in Texas.

Resistance is ongoing down at the Texas Capitol, and the donations of my patrons are helping me to cover it. Look for more soon!

Read moreVIDEO: Why Public Education Matters For Disabled Students In Texas
Fighting Back At The Texas Legislature: A Conversation With Katie Klabusich
Young activists at the Texas Legislature hold signs including "Girls just want to have FUNdamental Human Rights" and "Nacho Uterus." (Kit O'Connell, CC license)
July 24, 2017
Kit
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Fighting Back At The Texas Legislature: A Conversation With Katie Klabusich

Posted in Audio, Austin, and Journalism

I just made my second appearance on the Katie Speak Show, where I talked about activism at the Texas Legislature:

The show’s host, Katie Klabusich, and I discussed the special session of the Legislature, which began last week, and the strategies Governor Greg Abbott is using to try to force through a raft of unpopular, inhumane laws. On the agenda during the next month are abortion access, transgender rights, the ability of unions to collect dues, even cities’ ability to protect historic trees from development.

At the same time, about three dozen nonprofits and activist groups have combined to form the One Texas Resistance coalition, in an effort to pool their efforts at resistance together and highlight the intersectionality of their diverse issues, from climate change to the rights of Latinx Texans. Last week’s highly publicized quinceañera protest was organized by Jolt, a member of the coalition. These tactics, and their successes or failures, can likely serve as a model for the rest of the country which is also controlled by the power hungry and bigoted GOP.

Read moreFighting Back At The Texas Legislature: A Conversation With Katie Klabusich
Kit Talks Texas Legislature Activism Saturday On The Katie Speak Show
Activists hold a rainbow "pride" banner with the word "COEXIST" spelled out using the symbols of various world religions (plus atheism/humanism). Texas State Capitol, July 18, 2017. (Kit O'Connell, CC license)
July 21, 2017
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Kit Talks Texas Legislature Activism Saturday On The Katie Speak Show

Posted in Archive, Austin, and Journalism

On Saturday, I’m back on the Katie Speak Show, chatting with Katie Klabusich about the special session of the Texas Legislature and how progressives, leftists and radicals can push back against the inhumane agenda of the GOP.

You can hear me on Saturday at 7pm EST / 6pm Central on Netroots Radio. The Katie Speak Show is also available on iTunes and other popular podcast apps. And Katie’s patrons get a sneak preview of upcoming shows.

Of course, I’ll also share my appearance on the show next week here on my website.

Read moreKit Talks Texas Legislature Activism Saturday On The Katie Speak Show