Hello John,

We are writing to share some highlights of our Grand Opening Celebration: Reclaiming our Roots and the successful move into our new permanent home in East Austin, TX.

The evening began with a ceremony led by Jessica Tlazoltiani Ochoa Zamarripa and Manuel X. Zamarripa of the Institute of Chinana/o/x Psychology who thanked native people on whose land our office is built and who blessed the people doing the work inside of the new office. We were encouraged to find strength in our past, each other, and ourselves as we establish our roots in our new space to continue to fight for future generations.

When we were pushed out of our previous offices, we knew this reality mirrored what is happening to many in our community. Too many Black and brown people are being pushed out of Austin due to gentrification while elected officials make way for tech giants - many of whom contribute to our surveillance and criminalization.

Making the decision to purchase our own building was not an easy option - especially for Black and brown working class people impacted by the criminal justice and immigration systems who have historically been kept from laying roots deep enough to flourish for generations to come. But if we are to imagine and push for a better collective future, we have to be bold and have faith in each other.

We see our new home as a movement space for groups across Texas and the South. Our new space will cultivate community organizing, wellness, and the building of the next generation of leaders in the heart of Austin’s communities of color. It will be used as a space for people who are released from detention to connect with family and as a participatory defense space for people in the criminal legal system. It will host our cultural events like Dia de los Muertos, Night Out for Safety and Liberation, and Dancing Away Detention, providing enough space for large events and comfortably providing child care, language justice, and more. 

Our celebration culminated in a special dedication from Grassroots Leadership founder Si Kahn, who planted the seeds of this organization in 1980, and the presentation of a commemorative plaque in his honor. Below is an excerpt from Si Kahn’s message to Grassroots Leadership staff and community:

Far in the future

When hard times have passed

When we can reach out

And touch freedom at last

Though names are forgotten

Though voices are stilled

Our dreams and our vision

Will live in this world

And we honor the dreamers

Who work for our dreams

Si Kahn, Founder

Grassroots Leadership

To call our new space a home, we are seeking your support to pay our remaining loan balance. Consider becoming a sustaining member today and help us grow. We know with your generous support we will be able to permanently plant our roots and not be displaced from our home.

We know that as our roots grow, so too will our branches—uplifting our community and shining the light for all to be seen and heard. 

In solidarity,

Grassroots Leadership
7910 Cameron Rd.
Austin, TX 78754
United States

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