John,
I’m Adriana, an organizer with Powered by People. A few days ago, I joined friends and neighbors at a candlelight vigil for Renee Nicole Good. Renee’s death was a senseless act of violence by ICE, and being there reminded me why community and the work we do every day matters so much.
Indivisible Etx Alliance and Indivisible Smith County are two grassroots groups very close to my heart here in East Texas. Longview and Tyler supposedly have “beef,” but you’d never know it looking at these sister groups. We have been defending democracy alongside each other all year long, doing the arduous and audacious work of maintaining hope — collaborating, encouraging, supporting each other’s events, brainstorming ideas, and breaking bread together — a true cascade of kindness and love born from hardship.
I don’t have many words to explain the healing that took place at the vigil. It’s almost beyond language. But there was a moment during the vigil, tears streaming down my face, seeing both pain and quiet, resolute joy reflected in the faces of those around me, I began to sing — something I haven’t done in years.
Others joined in, and our voices carried through downtown Tyler. That fragile, beautiful moment reminded me: community is how we survive and overcome fascism.
Moments like tonight are why I’m part of Powered by People. Not to just show up for the big moments, but to be there for the before, after, and in between. To help build the kind of community and democracy that cares for everyone. To organize alongside my neighbors each and every day.
With hope and resolve,
Adriana
Organizer, Powered by People
