Community, Revelry and "Fun"draising at the "South's Got Something to Say" event at the 101

 

Community members gathered on Saturday, March 21, for an evening of music, community, and organizing at The South Got Something to Say Benefit Concert. 

The concert was jointly hosted by the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), the Migrant Justice Network of Brazos Valley, and the Texas State Employees Union (TSEU), which is part of the Communications Workers of America. Organizers say the event was a fun way tol raise money for migrant justice efforts while also giving people the chance to meet local union organizers and learn more about labor groups in the Brazos Valley.

Live music was the main attraction of the evening. The event will feature performances by Jumprope and Gobblinz. Jumprope describes their sound as “weirdo Texas garage pop,” while Gobblinz describes their music as “Southern-Psychedelic-Stoner-Post-Punk for the Working Class.” Organizers say the lineup is meant to bring together music fans and people interested in community organizing.

Labor unions have a long history in Texas, even though union membership in the state has often been lower than the national average. Laws such as right-to-work policies have made it harder for unions to grow in Texas. Still, unions have played an important role in improving wages, workplace safety, and benefits for many workers, including public employees, educators, and service workers.

In recent years, interest in labor organizing has grown across the United States. Some workers in Texas have also begun looking for new ways to organize and advocate for better working conditions. Supporters say unions can help workers speak with a stronger collective voice about issues that affect their jobs and their families.

Organizers say these conversations are closely connected to migrant justice. Migrant workers are a key part of many industries in Texas, including agriculture, construction, and service work. Advocates say stronger worker protections and support networks can help address issues that migrant workers sometimes face, such as unsafe working conditions and wage theft.

The March 21 benefit concert did a great job of bringing these issues together in a community setting. In addition to music, attendees had the opportunity to talk with organizers and learn more about local efforts related to labor rights and migrant justice in the Brazos Valley.

The organizers were pleased with the crowds and the community spirit at the event, and they hope to do more of them in the future. They also want to thank Jeremy Stark and the crew at the 101 for providing such a great venue for the event.