In this bonus episode, we speak with four members of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus—Venton Jones, Christian Manuel, Lauren Ashley Simmons, and Charlene Ward Johnson—who fled the 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. They describe the personal and safety sacrifices of leaving home as well as the national stakes for democracy. They also call for resources and sustained investment in Texas Democrats, warning that what happens in Texas could shape the entire country’s political future.
(00:00) Unpacking the Texas Quorum Break and Racial Gerrymandering
(08:09) How Texas Gerrymandering Threatens American Democracy Nationally
(15:00) The Personal Sacrifices and Threats Faced by Texas Legislators
(30:13) Texas Democrats' Strategy and Urgent Call for National Support
(45:28) SYAD and Closing Remarks
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