DENITA JONES, TRI CHAIR OF TEXAS POOR PEOPLE’S CAMPAIGN was joined by Rev. William Barber, teachers, students and clergy for a press conference yesterday to discuss the murders of students and teachers at a Uvalde, TX school.
Speakers blasted Governor Greg Abbott and Senators Ted Cruz and John Cornyn for being slated to speak at the NRA’s convention.
During an emotional program, young Angel from Achieve School in Austin posed a question to legislators: “Do you feel anything at all,” she asked. “What would you do if it was your child (in the line of fire)?”
Teacher Diana Rodriguez talked about planning drills for her students, in order to keep them safe, in case a shooter enters her campus. She said it is clear that guns need to be regulated and regulation of guns does not infringe on the rights of those who wish to carry.
Another teacher, Jack Golub said he lied to his students because he told them that they were safe at school. “I looked them in the eyes. I told them I would protect them.”
Clearly emotional, he said he really didn’t know if he could protect them.
“I’m willing to give my life for my students if that is what it takes for them to be safe,” he said, as he waved the emergency plan the school has in place. “But I cannot live in a society where that is what it takes!”
In her message, Ms. Jones put elected officials on notice. Saying that she was not alright, she talked about being a parent and how vulnerable children are while elected officials are being disrespectful, with their “blatant disregard” by appearing with the NRA.
In his remarks, Rev. Barber invited the speakers to join him in Washington, DC for the Poor People’s Campaign on June 18. According to Barber, relatives of victims killed in Buffalo, NY earlier this month will also be speaking. He also suggested that maybe one of the Uvalde parents would do as Mamie TIll Mobley did with her son, Emmitt, and have an open casket funeral so that everyone could see what “inaction” looks like.
