Two Citizen-Led Actions For Freedom In Houston-We Can All Show Up

There were two rank & file led actions over the weekend in Houston that merit notice. 

On Sunday, 3/3, there was a vigil at the Rothko Chapel to recall the life of the non-binary student Nex Benedict. Nex Benedict was killed in Oklahoma because they were different from how lousy people thought they should be.

There were maybe 80 people at the vigil. It was organized by Ethan Michelle Ganz & Meghan Fairbanks. It was a great call to action.  

Above on the left is a picture I took of the vigil.

There was also over the weekend the ongoing effort by Steve Norris of Brazoria County at Hermann Park. Steve is at Hermann Park each Saturday from noon to one urging people to protect democracy and not vote for Donald Trump. You can find Steve near the roundabout that features the statue of Sam Houston. It is near the big reflecting pool.

Above on the right is a picture of the most recent outing. Steve is 2nd from the left. 

These actions are notable for the following reasons:

*They are led by rank & file citizens without institutional involvement. We must show up for ourselves.

*Both events say that in addition to voting, we will have to do other things as well to defeat the right. There are many ways to fight back and to advocate. 

*Both events are willing to take on the physical risk of showing up. The Nex Benedict vigil had security. All was peaceful.

I've been out with Steve twice and it has been calm and friendly. It'll likely stay that way. But being in public means accepting some risk. It is helpful for people to see others just like themselves willing to be out in the open. 

*It gives people hope and encouragement to see others taking action.

Another good way to show up is the John Cornyn Houston Office Protest. The protest is each Tuesday, 11:30-1, 5300 Memorial Drive. It has been taking place for 369 weeks.   

All of us are capable in some way of advocating for our freedom. Thanks to the leaders and to everyone who showed up over the weekend in Houston. There is a lot of trouble on the way. We will have to show up and fight back.         
          
The Houston Democracy Project works daily to inspire, organize and strengthen pro-democracy coalitions in Houston and Harris County.  

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