The Texans released a social justice video Wednesday night seeking tangible changes intended to stop police brutality and systemic racism.
The video, released on social media along with six specific calls for action, including support of the George Floyd Policing Act in solidarity with the Baltimore Ravens, featured messages from several players.
The video included the following statements:
Texans center Nick Martin: "No one should feel scared for their life simply because of the color of their skin."
Texans defensive tackle Brandon Dunn: "No one should question the equality of their life because of the color of their skin."
Texans wide receiver Kenny Stills: "No one should feel like the color of their skin increases the chances that the people who have been put in place to protect them may be the very ones who end up killing them."
Texans tight end Darren Fells: "No one should have their neck knelt on for 8 minutes and 46 seconds while unarmed and already detained by four officers."
Texans running back David Johnson: "No one should be shot in the back seven times unarmed while their kids are watching in the car."
Texans safety Justin Reid: "No one should feel comfortable watching the videos of George Floyd and Jacob Blake."
Texans linebacker Brennan Scarlett: "No one should feel comfortable knowing that Breonna Taylor has not received justice."
Texans long snapper Jon Weeks: "No one should think that this is just going to go away on its own."
Texans defensive end J.J. Watt: "In order to hold ourselves up to the great ideals that we claim to hold ourselves to in this country we must recognize that change is necessary and it needs to happen now."
Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks: "Systemic issues need to be addressed. Legislation needs to be passed at all levels of government."
Texans offensive tackle Tytus Howard: "We need to show each other that Black lives do matter."
Texans linebacker Dylan Cole: "Not just say it."
Texans safety Michael Thomas: "We as a team are going to create real actionable change."
Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson: "We hope you will, too."
Change is necessary and it needs to happen now. pic.twitter.com/dSeiPisL5Z
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 3, 2020
The Texans also released several actionable goals on social media:
"The Houston Texans are committed to leading efforts for positive change in our community."
Action 1
Vote. Voting is our right and our responsibility. We will educate ourselves and cast our votes for candidates who share our values and vision. We believe voting should be easy and accessible to all. We are Texans and We are Voters! Join us!
Action 2
Use our voices to encourage political leaders to pass the federal George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020, a common-sense bill with bipartisan support as well as the state George Floyd Act proposed by the Texas Legislative Black Caucus. These acts address policing practices and law enforcement accountability, including a limit to qualified immunity, narrowed use of force rules and mandates for proportional response by officers. We stand in solidarity with the Baltimore Ravens demanding this act be expeditiously brought to the Senate floor and passed to honor Houston native George Floyd.
Action 3
Support and engage with community organizations fighting for change in Houston and Texas. Two of these groups include Restoring Justice and the Texas Civil Rights Project. Restoring Justice focuses on protecting marginalized members of the community facing criminal charges by providing them with legal representation, bail funds and counseling services. The Texas Civil Rights Project is a community lawyering organization that fights in and out of the courts for a fair, more just Texas.
Action 4
Personally invest in change. Devote our resources and time to grassroots organizations, including the Texas Civil Rights Project and Restoring Justice, to bring equality, equity and justice to the Houston community.
Action 5
Raise our voices in support. We will work with our community partners to advocate for changes to discriminatory practices in our justice system. We support:
1) Cash bail reform. Unconvicted people, who are presumed innocent, comprise approximately 80 percent of the Harris County jail population. They cannot afford to pay their bail, leaving them incarcerated until their trial date, which may not be for years. Your freedom should not be conditional on your wealth and no one should profit from the incarceration of our communities."
2) Eradication prison gerrymandering in Texas. This is the practice of counting people where they are imprisoned rather than where they are from, which disempowers people of color. It leads to overrepresentation of rural, less-populated districts and the underrepresentation of urban districts struggling with mass incarceration. Our democracy should reflect full participation by every community in Texas."
Action 6
Be champions for diversity and inclusion in Hosuton. Let our actions be an inspiration for local businesses and schools to join us in creating opportunities for marginalized people of color through mentorships, diversity and inclusion training, and networking opportunities."
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September 03, 2020 at 07:05PM
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Texans release social justice video, seeking 'real actionable change' - Houston Chronicle
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