On Wednesday, August 20th, I spent the day at the Texas Capitol in the House gallery watching lawmakers debate and vote on redistricting. What I saw wasn’t just politics as usual, but a deliberate attempt to weaken the voices of Black and Brown Texans through racial gerrymandering. Redistricting decides who gets represented and who gets left out, and these maps were drawn to fracture minority communities. When that happens, the very foundation of democracy is under attack.
Standing with Rep. Collier
I wasn’t there just to watch. I came to stand with Representative Nicole Collier. This week, she refused to sign a “permission slip” that would’ve forced her to let law enforcement follow her everywhere. That quiet act of defiance spoke volumes. It reminded me that defending our rights often comes with sacrifice, and it showed the kind of leadership and integrity Texans deserve.
Community at the Capitol
The day was also about connection and community. I had the honor of meeting Congressman Al Green, who has long stood up for justice, and I spent time talking with activists and everyday people who came to the Capitol out of love for their communities. These weren’t lobbyists or insiders. They were parents, students, teachers, and neighbors who were all united in saying no to injustice.
Democracy Is Not a Spectator Sport
Being in those conversations reminded me that democracy isn’t a spectator sport. It takes people showing up, speaking out, and refusing to back down. Whether it’s sitting in the gallery, organizing in our neighborhoods, or fighting in the courts, every act of resistance matters.
Leaving Inspired, Not Defeated
I left the Capitol frustrated by what had passed, but also inspired by the courage I had witnessed. The maps may have been approved by the House, but my resolve is strong. The fight for justice is long, but it isn’t hopeless. Every refusal to normalize injustice, every act of defiance, every moment of truth-telling, plants seeds for lasting change.
