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When democracy is under siege, you don’t wait for permission to defend it. You move. Four members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus did just that. Texas Representatives Vinton Jones, Christian Manuel, Lauren Ashley Simmons, and Charlene Ward Johnson left their state to block a racially driven gerrymander designed to give Republicans five more U.S. House seats at the expense of Black and Latino representation.
This is more than a Texas story. This is about the fragility of our democracy, the price of political courage, and the danger of letting extremism go unanswered.
“Texas Democrats are just built different. We don’t just know how to take a punch, we can punch back, and you’re watching us punch back.” — Lauren Ashley Simmons
“They have literally created warning posters for each one of us… that led to bomb threats at our location… and harassment of our families at home. That takes us back to some very dark times.” — Christian Manuel
“We have the largest population of Black people in any state, and yet we’re consistently forgotten when we ask for resources. We are a battleground state. Don’t forget Texas Democrats.” — Charlene Ward Johnson
“When we are using the tools we have to stop tyranny, we’re treated as if we’re doing something wrong. And as Black legislators, there’s a whole different element when you put us on a wanted poster.” — Vinton Jones
From threats to their safety to the national stakes of redistricting battles, their fight is a stark reminder that democracy isn’t self-sustaining.
If you care about the future of this country, you need to care about what’s happening in Texas. These four leaders are showing America what it means to risk everything for the people you serve. This is the fight for representation, for fairness, and for the soul of our democracy — and it’s happening right now.
Watch the full episode and hear why what happens in Texas could shape the country’s political future for years to come.
—Jaime
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