'We Can Finally Breathe:' Austin Hosts Rally For George Floyd

Austin TX

23 April, 2021

11:28 AM

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AUSTIN, TX — As many activists stood tall on Huston-Tillotson University's field Thursday evening, Yasmine Smith sat in silence. Wearing black from head to toe and a "Police: Do Not Cross" banner, the young woman's eyes scanned the crowd as she held a portrait featuring the names of Black people who have died at the hands of police: George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Atatiana Jefferson, Sandra Bland, Tamir Rice and hundreds more. "In moments like this, where there's a new template for equity, it's important for us as individuals who have been historically marginalized and disenfranchised to have moments where we recognize that the fight for equity is worth it and accomplished," Smith said. "While it's important to celebrate our wins and our victories, it's also important to come together and mourn in order to fulfill our goal and mission in life." Yasmine Smith, director of the Austin Area Urban League, sits down with a portrait featuring the names of Black people who have died from police violence over the years. Smith attended the Austin Justice Coalition's "Breathe: The Fight Continues" rally Thursday at Huston-Tillotson University. (Meagan Falcon/Patch) Smith was one of a hundred Austin activists who attended the Austin Justice Coalition's "Breathe: The Fight Continues" rally at Huston-Tillotson University Thursday evening. The event offered the community a chance to come together for a "collective moment" and vigil for Adam Toledo, Daunte Wright, Breonna Taylor, George Floyd and others who have lost their lives in encounters with police. Several speakers voiced their concerns about state legislation, local policies that target Austin's homeless, which is made up of 30 percent Black people, and people of color continuing to die at the hands of police. At the end of the event, dozens marched to the nearest poll center to vote early in the May special election. The gathering came days after a Minneapolis jury found former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin guilty on all counts in the Memorial Day 2020 death of Floyd. Chauvin was found guilty of both second- and third-degree murder, and he was also convicted of second-degree manslaughter. He faces a maximum of 40 years in prison under Minnesota law. More on that story: Verdict Reached In Chauvin Trial: Austin Prepares, Leaders React Floyd, a Black man, died after Chauvin knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes during an arrest despite Floyd's protests that he could not breathe. The Houston native's death sparked nationwide protests demanding racial justice and police reform last summer. A woman lights a candle to honor the Black people who have died from police violence in the U.S. at Austin Justice Coalition's "Breathe: The Fight Continues" rally and vigil on Thursday at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin. (Meagan Falcon/Patch) Last June, thousands of protesters from across the state marched to the Texas Capitol for more than 10 days to condemn racism and the killings of minorities at the hands of police. Austin Justice Coalition organizers Warren Burkley, Ishia Lynette and Briona Jenkins said they hosted the rally and vigil to remind the community why it's important to continue to fight for Black lives. "We wanted to let people know that Austin Justice Coalition is still making a presence in the community and that Tuesday's verdict is not the time to take a rest and 'check out,'" Burkley, 34, said. Lynette, 31, said with quarantine slowly coming to an end and more people getting vaccinated, the group has noticed fewer people at its events. And the organizers want to change that. The three nonprofit members said they wanted to remind people that the movement is more than just rallies but making a change at the local level. "I think a lot of times people look for events or they look for the 'glitz and glam,' not realizing it's the day-to-day work that will help enable the changes we want to see in our community," Jenkins, 31, said. Chloe Ropner, 27, wears a "Stand with Black Women" T-shirt at the Austin Justice Coalition's "Breathe: The Fight Continues" rally and vigil on Thursday at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin. (Meagan Falcon/Patch) "The real change comes when people go out to vote," Burkley said. "If people want to make a stop to local laws designed to target minorities, like Proposition B, they need to vote in this special election." Proposition B is an ordinance on the May 1 ballot for Austin that, if approved, would create a criminal offense and a penalty for sitting or lying down on a public sidewalk or sleeping outdoors in and near the downtown area and the area around the University of Texas campus; create a criminal offense and penalty for solicitation, defined as requesting money or another thing of value, at specific hours and locations or for solicitation in a public area that is deemed aggressive in manner; and create a criminal offense and penalty for camping in any public area not designated by the Parks and Recreation Department. HERE'S WHAT ELSE IS ON THE BALLOT: These Propositions Will Be On The Ballot In Travis County ELECTION GUIDE: Elections 2021: Your Early Voting Guide For Travis County Chloe Ropner, who was seen wearing a "Stand With Black Women" T-shirt, said she attended Thursday's rally to support her community. Ropner, 27, said she attended last summer's protest in downtown Austin to march and support the Black Lives Matter movement. "I think this week has been really complicated emotionally, it was a sign of justice being served but the beginning of it as well. I think it's an important time to come together," Ropner said. "As a white person, I think it's important to show up and sit back to support the community. I really hope this is the start of a bigger movement and more accountability in the justice system." Smith, who is the director of the Austin Area Urban League, said it was important to attend Thursday's rally to help support Austin's Black community and to encourage locals to change policies and procedures designed to target minorities in the area. "I think a nuance that might not be captured is how difficult this is. To be a Black body and to be traumatized over and over again," Smith said. "In mere hours, we have to build ourselves back up to then come and be part of a family and community who is also going through the same thing. "The trauma that lies in these systems is so deep-rooted. I press upon everyone that it's OK to take a breath, process what has happened and implement self-care and self-healing. Because the truth is, this will not be the first or last circumstance. This battle for equity is a long one." MORE COVERAGE: Elections 2021: Your Early Voting Guide For Williamson County These Propositions Will Be On The Ballot In Williamson County