Growing up, my great aunt got really sick. She lived in Travis County with her brother and sisters on a piece of land we called the Rancho. Some of my fondest memories with my family took place there.
Their home had no running water, no electricity, and there was an old outhouse out back. Life there was simple — and hard — but it was filled with family, love, and the kind of strength that comes from making do with what you have.
I remember my mother asking my great uncle if she could come stay with us so she could rest and recover somewhere more comfortable. And I remember my Tío, uncle, telling her:
“No — what she does not know, she cannot miss.”
At the time, I didn’t understand. It felt harsh. Why wouldn’t he let her come stay with us? Why wouldn’t he let her be more comfortable?
It wasn’t until I was older that I understood the truth behind his words.
He wasn’t denying her comfort — he was protecting her dignity. He was shielding her from the pain of realizing how much she deserved but had been denied for generations.
Because as Texans, we know what it means to live in a state where our families are expected to endure hardship while the state hands tax breaks and special favors to billionaire corporations that take from our communities and give nothing back.
We know what it’s like to grow up seeing neighbors struggle for the basics — water, electricity, housing, safety — while the people in power refuse to invest in us. We know what it’s like to watch generations survive despite systems built to keep us in survival mode.
And that is why Ground Game Texas exists. We organize because our people should never have to be grateful for scraps.
We deserve more — and we are building it together.
Right now, as we head toward 2026, we’re working to close our year-end $30,000 gap so we can continue organizing in the places the state has abandoned, ignored, or exploited.
If you’re able, please consider making a contribution today. Your support helps us build the kind of Texas where families like mine don’t have to choose between dignity and survival.
Picture: My Tia Nieves, Tia Frances, Tio Domingo, and Tio Janie
Ground Game Texas is a 501(c)(4) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Paid for by Ground Game Texas. Contributions to Ground Game Texas are not tax deductible.
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