Our Fight Our Future Rallies Take on Texas
(From left to right) Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Senator Bernie Sanders, Congressman Greg Casar, Congressman Lloyd Dogget, and Beto O'Rourke waving at the crowd of student at Our Fight Our Future Rally at The University of Texas at Austin
This past Monday, the city of San Antonio, Texas had the pleasure of hosting the first of four rallies put together by Congressman Greg Casar, who represents East Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, and other areas down I-35. The event, held at the Paper Tiger, served as a fiery launch for a movement aiming to engage voters, inspire action, and push for progress on some of the most pressing issues facing the country today.
The San Antonio rally kicked off with an electrifying performance by local band Piñata Protest. Known for their lively fusion of punk rock and Tex-Mex influences, they captivated the crowd with covers of "La Chona" and "Volver, Volver." The band’s energy set the tone for an evening filled with passionate speeches, calls to action, and a united fight for a better future. Christina Tzinzum Ramirez, founder of the Workers Defense Project and President of NextGen America, took the stage next. Ramirez, a fierce advocate for working-class families, emphasized the critical importance of voting, calling on the crowd to engage in the democratic process. In a heartfelt moment, she brought her young son on stage, who led the audience in a simple but powerful chant of "Vote! Vote! Vote!" Congressman Greg Casar followed, delivering a speech that rallied the crowd around the power of the labor movement, which has deep roots in San Antonio. Casar’s energetic presence drew cheers as he reminded the audience of the ongoing fight against economic inequality, slamming the idea of giving more tax breaks to billionaires like Elon Musk while working families continue to struggle, but it was his personal connection to the Uvalde tragedy that brought a somber yet powerful tone to his speech. Casar pointed to two bracelets he wears daily, gifts from the families of two Uvalde shooting victims, Amerie Jo Garza and Layla Marie Salazar. These bracelets, he said, serve as constant reminders of the ongoing battle for sensible gun control in the country which is a fight he pledged to continue in honor of the children and families affected by gun violence.
Senator Bernie Sanders at Our Fight Our Future Rally at Paper Tiger.
As Casar finished, the anticipation for the final speaker reached its peak. The crowd erupted into chants of "Bernie! Bernie!" as Senator Bernie Sanders made his way to the stage. Known for his fiery speeches and decades-long fight for economic justice, Sanders did not disappoint. The Vermont senator urged the crowd to get involved in the political process, particularly emphasizing the importance of voting in the upcoming elections. “Texas is a football state”, Senator Sanders said. “And in football, there are winners and losers. When a team loses, they don’t whine! They take it like a man, like a human”. This is something Donald Trump knows nothing about. He warned against the dangers of allowing former President Donald Trump to return to office, calling on attendees to mobilize against authoritarianism and bullies.
Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez at Our Fight Our Future Rally at The University of Texas at Austin
The following day, the rallies continued at Texas State University in San Marcos and The University of Texas at Austin. These two events attracted large crowds, particularly of young voters, eager to hear from progressive leaders. At Texas State University, excitement was in the air even before the rally began. Students began lining up as early as 10 a.m., despite the doors not opening until noon. When Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) took the stage, the crowd erupted into applause as they gave her a standing ovation. Ocasio-Cortez shared her deep personal connection to Texas, noting that she got her start in organizing right here in this state at just 16 years old. She also highlighted Texas State University’s significance, pointing out that one of her mentors and former President Lyndon B. Johnson, a champion of civil rights, were both alumni.
At the University of Texas at Austin, the rally also included another notable figure, Congressman Lloyd Doggett, who mingled with students, encouraging them to register to vote. When Beto O’Rourke took the stage, one think he said stood out: “Don’t f*ck with the women of Texas”. He relayed how this presidential race is not just another race, it is a chance to take back women’s rights. Throughout all of the speakers present, one theme was common: the sense of urgency to encourage young people to vote. “Texas is not a red state, it is a voter suppressed state”, Ocasio-Cortez said as the crowd of bright eyed students cheered. Congressman Greg Casar’s series of rallies ignited a powerful movement across Texas, focused on building a future centered around justice, equality, and civic participation.
From San Antonio to Austin, each event brought together a diverse coalition of voices and emphasized the urgent need for progressive policies, labor rights, and sensible gun control. As the rallies continue to inspire and mobilize voters, they serve as a testament to the growing demand for a more equitable and just future in Texas and beyond. The last day to register to vote in Texas is October 7th, and every voice matters in shaping the future. If you haven’t already, register to vote and make your voice heard in the upcoming elections!
