Alex Birnel is a community organizer based in San Antonio, Texas.
Almost a century ago, labor activist Emma Tenayuca led Mexican American women in San Antonio’s legendary pecan shellers’ strike, facing down bosses, police, and the Klan. Today amid renewed nativist hate, we can learn from her example.
The newly passed HB 2127 is yet another attempt by the GOP-controlled state legislature to impose minority rule over the state of Texas. It’s the working class that will pay the price — and the working class that must organize to fight back.
Jalen McKee-Rodriguez was elected to the San Antonio City Council last year. Since then, he’s worked for greater public investment in his working-class, historically black district. We spoke to him about his work as a socialist elected official in Texas.
Teri Castillo, a housing organizer and Democratic Socialists of America member, is fighting on the San Antonio City Council for public investment in housing, health care, education, utilities, and more. Castillo says the era of municipal austerity must end.
Austin City Council member Greg Casar has passed dozens of pieces of progressive legislation in the last 7 years, from paid sick leave law to renters’ protections. Now he says he wants to take federal action on working-class issues by running for Congress.
Musicians say that management’s austere proposal, gutting the full-time orchestra and slashing pay and benefits, will destroy the San Antonio Symphony. They’ve gone on strike because, as one musician said, “We will not be complicit in our own destruction.”
People with disabilities who rely on local public transit are getting squeezed between gentrification and austerity.