|
February 25, 2021 | Deeds Digest No. 182
|
|
|
Hey #Changemakers,
I hope you are as safe and okay as you can be right now. This is Tasnim, UT Austin’s Campus Organizer, and I cannot believe that I am writing this message while I start classes today. Many of my friends are still not in their own homes due to flooding, food shortage, or water issues— as most of the problems caused by the winter storm affected low-income and BIPOC students more significantly than their privileged counterparts. The aftermath of the winter storm has left our marginalized communities behind. While mutual aid groups around Texas are doing the best that they can to support their community members around them, Texas universities and our own government are barely providing us with any support to survive the aftermath of the winter storm. Although it’s not surprising, it’s still disappointing and heartbreaking to see people suffering because of the lack of action from state institutions. Many of my friends have said that school is the last thing on their minds right now because they are still focused on survival. For example, one of my low-income friends' apartments’s completely flooded, and the power outage caused all of their food to spoil.
How can we tell them to start turning in assignments and clocking into work right now? And this is not an isolated incident. Many students are struggling, even though it may not be apparent to our professors who are still seeing their upper-class students coming into class today. It is bewildering to me to see that so many professors show no compassion or understanding when it comes to school work, assignments, etc. The administration at our Texas universities has the capability to do something to make this transition easier and better for students, but they refuse to do so. We cannot go back to our known normal prior to this winter storm (which is still living through a pandemic), at least not right away. We have just all gone through a traumatic experience collectively, and we need to heal, or at least be able to get our survival needs met before we can even attempt to think about school and work again. This winter storm has further highlighted the inequities of the current system we are living in. There’s so much to consider, and so much action that will be required in order to take down these destructive political systems— but we must first make sure that our community members are fed, safe, warm, and hydrated.
I want to call upon all universities in Texas to extend the break for at least one more week, even though I believe that our young people need more. It’s unfair to ask many low-income and BIPOC students to go back to normal when they’re still trying to figure out their survival needs. I hope that professors and employers provide grace to students all over Texas. We need to continue checking in with our students and community members to ensure that we are not leaving anyone behind as we move forward into this forced normal. We know these capitalistic political systems are not built to take care of us, so we have to take the responsibility upon ourselves to care of one another, while we try to fight for the resources and time that we all deserve.
In solidarity,
Tasnim Islam
Deeds Not Words, Campus Organizer
|
|
|
|
Texas Winter Storm Resources
The impacts of last week’s weather and blackouts are disproportionately harming marginalized communities in Texas, and now is the time for us to step up and support those communities with our actions. Our team at Deeds has created a list of resources for recovery in Texas, and here’s how you can apply for federal aid. Though funds, resources & information have been circulating online, many resources have solely been in English, leaving out the immigrant community due to language barriers. Sueños Sin Fronteras has created a resource guide in Spanish about fresh water distribution sites in San Antonio and other parts of Texas! They are also accepting volunteers and donations to assist in distributing items to Texans in need.
#Changemaker Janet Asante Shares Her Experience on Giving Redistricting Testimony
It has been argued all the way to the supreme court that historically, our state has implemented extreme gerrymandering to exclude marginalized populations from their rights. My mother always stressed the importance of advocating for yourself and others in situations of injustice. It is because of these lessons that I testified at the Senate Special Committee on Redistricting on February 12th. Redistricting decisions do not only impact the lives of millions impacted by the pandemic— it has a legacy that will last lifetimes. These decisions will either support the civil rights the marginalized have fought for in our history, or dishonor them. When I advocated for a fair and transparent redistricting process, I was doing it for the enslaved woman five generations my ancestor who was only counted as 3/5ths of a person in her days. I did it for the people who believed in equitable representation so much that they lost their lives fighting for the Voting Rights Act of 1965. I borrowed some of their passion for my testimony, and hopefully, I was able to make a fraction of the impact that they did. This was my first time testifying in a legislative session, but it certainly won’t be my last.
|
|
|
As the nation witnessed Texas' infrastructure go through a deadly crisis, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised $5 million to help Texas after last week’s winter storm and even flew to Houston last Friday to spend time volunteering at the city’s food bank. Former Representative Beto O’Rourke also organized efforts to reach those most in need through a virtual phone bank to connect senior citizens with resources during the disaster and led Wellness Check Canvas efforts to assist folks with food or repairs. We’re inspired by this show of support for our state and those most impacted by the conditions and burdens of this disaster.
Here’s more of what’s inspiring us…
|
|
|
|
Already experiencing major changes due to the pandemic, students went through another chaotic crisis at Texas universities due to the winter storm that caused power, water, and food issues. Most students who are living in large residence halls were unable to see their families or access supplies like extra clothing, food or a car. Literally being left to fend for themselves, struggling to get basic necessities, students went days with limited food or contact with others. Even as campuses have slowly regained power, many dorms still lack access to consistent water and food. Students who live off-campus also faced challenges with answers and assistance from apartment management companies or school administration.
Here’s more of what has us fired up…
|
|
|
|
If there’s one thing about Texans, trying times show our strength, love, and resilience. Here’s how you can help your community 💜
- Texans are showing up for one another through mutual aid, which directly goes towards supporting those struggling with rent, food, healthcare, childcare, and more. You can check out the Texas Mutual Aid Directory to donate.
- Another way to help is by volunteering your time!
Lastly, pay attention to how your local elected officials are responding in the wake of this statewide crisis.
|
|
#Changemaker of the Week: Texas Mutual Aid
All eyes have been on Texas Mutual Aid groups, which have organized thousands of dollars rapidly to get to people in their communities who are in need. Although mutual aid has been around for a while, it has become increasingly popularized and utilized during the pandemic, and now after this crisis to fill gaps where the government is lacking resources for people who are struggling to meet their basic needs.
A group of UT Austin students used Twitter to organize their community needs and raised $12,000 by Monday, connecting hundreds of people with resources in the process. A Houston aid group has been able to collect and distribute almost $200,000 in payments to Houstonians who needed money for food, water, and supplies after the storm.
“It’s really amazing to see the power that the people have, especially — or maybe in spite of — the lack of leadership or the lack of our state doing anything to really help us,” UT Austin student Sam Miles says. “It’s just a really good reminder that people genuinely are so good.”
We see you, Changemakers! 👏🏽
|
|
|
|
