YES JJ Show with special guest Cesar Espinosa: Live @ The Innovation Studio

Hello everybody. Welcome to the SJJ show Hello everybody. Welcome to the SJJ show and today we have a very special guest. and today we have a very special guest. and today we have a very special guest. He has done so much for the city He has done so much for the city He has done so much for the city advocacy, organizing and has done so advocacy, organizing and has done so advocacy, organizing and has done so much for our community. Please welcome much for our community. Please welcome much for our community. Please welcome Caesar Espinosa. Caesar Espinosa. Caesar Espinosa. >> Thank you so much for having me. >> Thank you so much for having me. >> Thank you so much for having me. >> Thank you for being here. We're very, >> Thank you for being here. We're very, >> Thank you for being here. We're very, very appreciative of you being here. We very appreciative of you being here. We very appreciative of you being here. We really want to get to know you a little really want to get to know you a little really want to get to know you a little bit more, know our Houston leaders. Um, bit more, know our Houston leaders. Um, bit more, know our Houston leaders. Um, I'm going to ask you a few questions. I'm going to ask you a few questions. I'm going to ask you a few questions. Um, so what tell us a little bit about Um, so what tell us a little bit about Um, so what tell us a little bit about yourself and what uh inspired you to yourself and what uh inspired you to yourself and what uh inspired you to become a a service to the community? become a a service to the community? become a a service to the community? >> Um, well, I'm a first generation >> Um, well, I'm a first generation >> Um, well, I'm a first generation immigrant from Mexico City, Mexico. My immigrant from Mexico City, Mexico. My immigrant from Mexico City, Mexico. My family brought me here to Houston when I family brought me here to Houston when I family brought me here to Houston when I was 5 years old. Uh, grew up here in was 5 years old. Uh, grew up here in was 5 years old. Uh, grew up here in Houston. Um, you know, learned about Houston. Um, you know, learned about Houston. Um, you know, learned about Chopped and screwed and and and Chopped and screwed and and and Chopped and screwed and and and Chopaholic Scumbia and all of that Chopaholic Scumbia and all of that Chopaholic Scumbia and all of that Houston vibe. Uh, long time lifetime Houston vibe. Uh, long time lifetime Houston vibe. Uh, long time lifetime Rockets and Astros fan. Rockets and Astros fan. Rockets and Astros fan. >> Beautiful. uh [laughter] >> Beautiful. uh [laughter] >> Beautiful. uh [laughter] Texan that's a different conversation Texan that's a different conversation Texan that's a different conversation for for some other for other topic but for for some other for other topic but for for some other for other topic but um um um >> you know it was grew up here I grew up >> you know it was grew up here I grew up >> you know it was grew up here I grew up in the Gulf area uh well actually I take in the Gulf area uh well actually I take in the Gulf area uh well actually I take it back I grew up in Montros first I it back I grew up in Montros first I it back I grew up in Montros first I came here family moved to Montros first came here family moved to Montros first came here family moved to Montros first when Monstros was uh was not gentrified when Monstros was uh was not gentrified when Monstros was uh was not gentrified yet it was actually um you know there yet it was actually um you know there yet it was actually um you know there was drivebys and things like that and was drivebys and things like that and was drivebys and things like that and people don't remember that that part of people don't remember that that part of people don't remember that that part of of Montros at that at that point but uh of Montros at that at that point but uh of Montros at that at that point but uh then I spent an awkward year in Ohio Uh, then I spent an awkward year in Ohio Uh, then I spent an awkward year in Ohio Uh, and then we came right back because Ohio and then we came right back because Ohio and then we came right back because Ohio is cold and it's not Houston.

is cold and it's not Houston. is cold and it's not Houston. >> No. >> No. >> No. >> And what is it to do in Ohio? >> And what is it to do in Ohio? >> And what is it to do in Ohio? >> There's nothing. There's nothing to >> There's nothing. There's nothing to >> There's nothing. There's nothing to that. You You gain weight because you're that. You You gain weight because you're that. You You gain weight because you're inside all the time cuz it's snowing all inside all the time cuz it's snowing all inside all the time cuz it's snowing all the time. the time. the time. >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, okay. >> Oh, okay. >> And anyway, then we came back and then >> And anyway, then we came back and then >> And anyway, then we came back and then grew up after that. I we settled in the grew up after that. I we settled in the grew up after that. I we settled in the Gulf area. Gulf area. Gulf area. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Uh where I grew up, went to uh local >> Uh where I grew up, went to uh local >> Uh where I grew up, went to uh local schools, went to HISD, then uh went to schools, went to HISD, then uh went to schools, went to HISD, then uh went to HCC and then the University of Houston. HCC and then the University of Houston. HCC and then the University of Houston. And from a very early age um I knew that And from a very early age um I knew that And from a very early age um I knew that I like to help people. always had a a I like to help people. always had a a I like to help people. always had a a heart to to help people. I also had a heart to to help people. I also had a heart to to help people. I also had a mom who was very uh who encouraged us to mom who was very uh who encouraged us to mom who was very uh who encouraged us to help others. Uh my mom was the mom that help others. Uh my mom was the mom that help others. Uh my mom was the mom that was the uh every time somebody would was the uh every time somebody would was the uh every time somebody would kick get kicked out of their house, she kick get kicked out of their house, she kick get kicked out of their house, she would my friends, my brother's friends, would my friends, my brother's friends, would my friends, my brother's friends, my sister's friends always had a couch my sister's friends always had a couch my sister's friends always had a couch to sleep on. So we learned the uh the to sleep on. So we learned the uh the to sleep on. So we learned the uh the servant leadership role from her. And servant leadership role from her. And servant leadership role from her. And then then then >> and then my mom was also very political. >> and then my mom was also very political. >> and then my mom was also very political. So, uh, my mom, uh, was was a catalyst So, uh, my mom, uh, was was a catalyst So, uh, my mom, uh, was was a catalyst in us being who we are today. And shout in us being who we are today. And shout in us being who we are today. And shout out to my mom. Saliva. out to my mom. Saliva. out to my mom. Saliva. >> Shout out to the mamas. >> Shout out to the mamas. >> Shout out to the mamas. >> Yes.

>> Yes. >> Yes. >> All the mas here. >> All the mas here. >> All the mas here. >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. [laughter] >> Yes. [laughter] >> So, what uh does your organization do on >> So, what uh does your organization do on >> So, what uh does your organization do on the every day? the every day? the every day? >> Um, so, uh, we do about 6,000 things >> Um, so, uh, we do about 6,000 things >> Um, so, uh, we do about 6,000 things every No. Uh, [laughter] we do. Yeah. We every No. Uh, [laughter] we do. Yeah. We every No. Uh, [laughter] we do. Yeah. We do a lot of things. Uh, but we have do a lot of things. Uh, but we have do a lot of things. Uh, but we have three major programs at FEL. Uh, a three major programs at FEL. Uh, a three major programs at FEL. Uh, a fourth one coming soon. Uh our first fourth one coming soon. Uh our first fourth one coming soon. Uh our first program is we we run um we we help uh program is we we run um we we help uh program is we we run um we we help uh young folks uh who want to go to school, young folks uh who want to go to school, young folks uh who want to go to school, specifically immigrants, uh who may specifically immigrants, uh who may specifically immigrants, uh who may either be immigrants themselves or come either be immigrants themselves or come either be immigrants themselves or come from mixed status families to be able to from mixed status families to be able to from mixed status families to be able to achieve that goal. And we do that achieve that goal. And we do that achieve that goal. And we do that through counseling, through financial through counseling, through financial through counseling, through financial aid workshops, uh different or through aid workshops, uh different or through aid workshops, uh different or through one-on- ones to help people navigate one-on- ones to help people navigate one-on- ones to help people navigate that very complex system. The second that very complex system. The second that very complex system. The second program that we run is we run a legal program that we run is we run a legal program that we run is we run a legal clinic. So, and a lot of folks don't clinic. So, and a lot of folks don't clinic. So, and a lot of folks don't know this, we run a uh we want people to know this, we run a uh we want people to know this, we run a uh we want people to get access to good quality uh get access to good quality uh get access to good quality uh immigration uh attorneys, but at a very immigration uh attorneys, but at a very immigration uh attorneys, but at a very low cost. Um and more importantly, low cost. Um and more importantly, low cost. Um and more importantly, honest attorneys. Um so, attorneys, you honest attorneys. Um so, attorneys, you honest attorneys. Um so, attorneys, you know, we usually charge a market rate know, we usually charge a market rate know, we usually charge a market rate and on a sliding scale. Uh a quarter and on a sliding scale. Uh a quarter and on a sliding scale. Uh a quarter less than what uh well, hold on. A less than what uh well, hold on. A less than what uh well, hold on. A quarter of what private attorneys would quarter of what private attorneys would quarter of what private attorneys would charge is what they would end up paying charge is what they would end up paying charge is what they would end up paying with FEL. And the most beautiful part with FEL. And the most beautiful part with FEL. And the most beautiful part about that is it all goes back to our about that is it all goes back to our about that is it all goes back to our mission. It all goes back to the program mission. It all goes back to the program mission. It all goes back to the program to help other people out, which leads me to help other people out, which leads me to help other people out, which leads me into our third program, which is our into our third program, which is our into our third program, which is our advocacy program. We stand with advocacy program. We stand with advocacy program. We stand with families, we stand with community, uh, families, we stand with community, uh, families, we stand with community, uh, whatever the issue may be, and we help whatever the issue may be, and we help whatever the issue may be, and we help them navigate these very tough them navigate these very tough them navigate these very tough situations 100% free of charge. You situations 100% free of charge. You situations 100% free of charge. You know, there's a lot of rumors out there know, there's a lot of rumors out there know, there's a lot of rumors out there that we that we charge for to do that we that we charge for to do that we that we charge for to do advocacy services for folks, and all of

advocacy services for folks, and all of advocacy services for folks, and all of that is a lie. we stand with people um that is a lie. we stand with people um that is a lie. we stand with people um and none of the folks that that we we and none of the folks that that we we and none of the folks that that we we help navigate their very complex help navigate their very complex help navigate their very complex situations ever get a bill from Fel. And situations ever get a bill from Fel. And situations ever get a bill from Fel. And then our fourth program that is up and then our fourth program that is up and then our fourth program that is up and coming that we're hoping to launch next coming that we're hoping to launch next coming that we're hoping to launch next year is we're uh we're going to start uh year is we're uh we're going to start uh year is we're uh we're going to start uh working on on community health. Uh and working on on community health. Uh and working on on community health. Uh and we're going to start with mental health. we're going to start with mental health. we're going to start with mental health. >> Oh, very very important >> Oh, very very important >> Oh, very very important >> because a lot of our folks are going >> because a lot of our folks are going >> because a lot of our folks are going through it right now. And so we want through it right now. And so we want through it right now. And so we want folks to have access to uh mental health folks to have access to uh mental health folks to have access to uh mental health services um so that we can start services um so that we can start services um so that we can start tackling issues like depression, tackling issues like depression, tackling issues like depression, anxiety, and things like that. anxiety, and things like that. anxiety, and things like that. Especially right now when our it's Especially right now when our it's Especially right now when our it's really troubling times for our really troubling times for our really troubling times for our community. community. community. >> Troubling. There is a lot of things >> Troubling. There is a lot of things >> Troubling. There is a lot of things going on in Houston right now, going on in Houston right now, going on in Houston right now, especially with immigration, ICE raids especially with immigration, ICE raids especially with immigration, ICE raids going all around and our families really going all around and our families really going all around and our families really do get impacted. There's a lot of do get impacted. There's a lot of do get impacted. There's a lot of families that don't want to come out. families that don't want to come out. families that don't want to come out. You know, it's very it's very You know, it's very it's very You know, it's very it's very detrimental to our community. And and detrimental to our community. And and detrimental to our community. And and I'm so happy that you're actually I'm so happy that you're actually I'm so happy that you're actually opening up that that space for them, opening up that that space for them, opening up that that space for them, which is which is great. and and I hope which is which is great. and and I hope which is which is great. and and I hope the best for that for next year. Thank the best for that for next year. Thank the best for that for next year. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. you. Thank you. Thank you. you. Thank you. Thank you. >> Um so who benefits the most out of your >> Um so who benefits the most out of your >> Um so who benefits the most out of your programs? programs? programs? >> Uh community folks. Any any community >> Uh community folks. Any any community >> Uh community folks. Any any community member that's that's struggling that's member that's that's struggling that's member that's that's struggling that's going through something. One of the going through something. One of the going through something. One of the other uh things that we do is we we're other uh things that we do is we we're other uh things that we do is we we're not um uh we're not um what is it not um uh we're not um what is it not um uh we're not um what is it called? Um social workers, but we act called? Um social workers, but we act called? Um social workers, but we act like social workers. A lot of people like social workers. A lot of people like social workers. A lot of people call our office before they call any call our office before they call any call our office before they call any other agency and they ask for resources.

other agency and they ask for resources. other agency and they ask for resources. Okay. And one of the rules that we that Okay. And one of the rules that we that Okay. And one of the rules that we that I have at feel that we have at field is I have at feel that we have at field is I have at feel that we have at field is that we never uh let somebody off the that we never uh let somebody off the that we never uh let somebody off the phone or or leave our office with phone or or leave our office with phone or or leave our office with questions and answer. We will try to questions and answer. We will try to questions and answer. We will try to look for the assistance even if we can't look for the assistance even if we can't look for the assistance even if we can't provide it. We have a huge network of provide it. We have a huge network of provide it. We have a huge network of organizations, attorneys, uh different organizations, attorneys, uh different organizations, attorneys, uh different um agencies that we can refer them to so um agencies that we can refer them to so um agencies that we can refer them to so that they our community can get the that they our community can get the that they our community can get the answers that they need. answers that they need. answers that they need. >> That is beautiful. That is so beautiful >> That is beautiful. That is so beautiful >> That is beautiful. That is so beautiful because we do have a lot of questions because we do have a lot of questions because we do have a lot of questions and sometimes we always think that you and sometimes we always think that you and sometimes we always think that you know we have to pay a lawyer to get the know we have to pay a lawyer to get the know we have to pay a lawyer to get the actual questions or you know you know actual questions or you know you know actual questions or you know you know different uh groups. So I'm so happy different uh groups. So I'm so happy different uh groups. So I'm so happy that you have that access and that that you have that access and that that you have that access and that people can just call you and actually people can just call you and actually people can just call you and actually get the information that they need. So I get the information that they need. So I get the information that they need. So I I really thank you for that. Um what was I really thank you for that. Um what was I really thank you for that. Um what was what has surprised you most about the what has surprised you most about the what has surprised you most about the work that you do? I know that's a lot. work that you do? I know that's a lot. work that you do? I know that's a lot. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> Many things surprised me. Uh I I think >> Many things surprised me. Uh I I think >> Many things surprised me. Uh I I think uh what has surprised me the most uh uh what has surprised me the most uh uh what has surprised me the most uh about what I do is the impact that that about what I do is the impact that that about what I do is the impact that that we've had in our community. Sometimes um we've had in our community. Sometimes um we've had in our community. Sometimes um you know we don't think we're doing you know we don't think we're doing you know we don't think we're doing enough but then people start um enough but then people start um enough but then people start um recognizing uh the work that we do not recognizing uh the work that we do not recognizing uh the work that we do not only in the city of Houston but on the only in the city of Houston but on the only in the city of Houston but on the state level uh at the national level um state level uh at the national level um state level uh at the national level um and even at the international level uh and even at the international level uh and even at the international level uh we've been recognized for the work that we've been recognized for the work that we've been recognized for the work that we do. Uh but but I do have one instance we do. Uh but but I do have one instance we do. Uh but but I do have one instance where I was really surprised. Okay.

where I was really surprised. Okay. where I was really surprised. Okay. >> Uh one time I was I was at UFH and and >> Uh one time I was I was at UFH and and >> Uh one time I was I was at UFH and and Dolores Werta was uh was speaking at U Dolores Werta was uh was speaking at U Dolores Werta was uh was speaking at U of Okay. of Okay. of Okay. >> And uh and you know I'm a huge fan of >> And uh and you know I'm a huge fan of >> And uh and you know I'm a huge fan of the Lores Werta and after the event I the Lores Werta and after the event I the Lores Werta and after the event I went up to her and take and take a went up to her and take and take a went up to her and take and take a picture and I was like Miss Warta like picture and I was like Miss Warta like picture and I was like Miss Warta like I'm I'm so um I'm it's an honor to meet I'm I'm so um I'm it's an honor to meet I'm I'm so um I'm it's an honor to meet you. Uh you know been been following you. Uh you know been been following you. Uh you know been been following your work since forever since I was a your work since forever since I was a your work since forever since I was a little kid. And she looks at my shirt little kid. And she looks at my shirt little kid. And she looks at my shirt and she's like, "You're ceas right." And and she's like, "You're ceas right." And and she's like, "You're ceas right." And I was like, I was like, I was like, >> I was like, "What?" >> I was like, "What?" >> I was like, "What?" I was like, "You know me, Dolores?" I I I was like, "You know me, Dolores?" I I I was like, "You know me, Dolores?" I I call her Dolores. No, I'm just kidding. call her Dolores. No, I'm just kidding. call her Dolores. No, I'm just kidding. [laughter] [laughter] [laughter] >> I'm like I was like, "Yes." I was like, >> I'm like I was like, "Yes." I was like, >> I'm like I was like, "Yes." I was like, "Yes, that's me." "Yes, that's me." "Yes, that's me." >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. >> Oh my god. >> And she's like She's like She's like, >> And she's like She's like She's like, >> And she's like She's like She's like, "We we follow your work at the "We we follow your work at the "We we follow your work at the foundation very closely." Uh, and you foundation very closely." Uh, and you foundation very closely." Uh, and you know, we we know that you are all our know, we we know that you are all our know, we we know that you are all our allies down here and I commend you for allies down here and I commend you for allies down here and I commend you for what you're doing. So, so that that was what you're doing. So, so that that was what you're doing. So, so that that was really surprising that Dolores Wuerta really surprising that Dolores Wuerta really surprising that Dolores Wuerta knew about Bafel and she knew she knew knew about Bafel and she knew she knew knew about Bafel and she knew she knew me by name personally. That is amazing. me by name personally. That is amazing. me by name personally. That is amazing. That's how impactful you are in the city That's how impactful you are in the city That's how impactful you are in the city and and nationally at that because, you and and nationally at that because, you and and nationally at that because, you know, you've done so much. You're always know, you've done so much. You're always know, you've done so much. You're always at the protest, you're at vigils, you're at the protest, you're at vigils, you're at the protest, you're at vigils, you're everywhere in the city. I've seen you everywhere in the city. I've seen you everywhere in the city. I've seen you all over Houston and it's just so all over Houston and it's just so all over Houston and it's just so beautiful to see like the inspiration.

beautiful to see like the inspiration. beautiful to see like the inspiration. You know, you inspire others just like You know, you inspire others just like You know, you inspire others just like others you get inspired by. So, I I love others you get inspired by. So, I I love others you get inspired by. So, I I love that. Um what has act how has activism that. Um what has act how has activism that. Um what has act how has activism really changed over the years? I know really changed over the years? I know really changed over the years? I know you've been act um being an activist for you've been act um being an activist for you've been act um being an activist for many years. Um what do you think has many years. Um what do you think has many years. Um what do you think has changed throughout throughout the time changed throughout throughout the time changed throughout throughout the time that you've been doing it? that you've been doing it? that you've been doing it? >> Activism has gotten harder but it's >> Activism has gotten harder but it's >> Activism has gotten harder but it's gotten easier in in other ways. It's gotten easier in in other ways. It's gotten easier in in other ways. It's gotten harder because now people are gotten harder because now people are gotten harder because now people are more um you know they're more apathetic more um you know they're more apathetic more um you know they're more apathetic sometimes and and sometimes other sometimes and and sometimes other sometimes and and sometimes other generations are more apathetic. They're generations are more apathetic. They're generations are more apathetic. They're like you know why like you know why like you know why >> why do things and nothing changes and >> why do things and nothing changes and >> why do things and nothing changes and things like that. But it's gotten easier things like that. But it's gotten easier things like that. But it's gotten easier because uh back in my day we used to uh because uh back in my day we used to uh because uh back in my day we used to uh have to uh you know uh it go and call have to uh you know uh it go and call have to uh you know uh it go and call every single station and tell them about every single station and tell them about every single station and tell them about our press releases or like uh we used to our press releases or like uh we used to our press releases or like uh we used to print these things called flyers and go print these things called flyers and go print these things called flyers and go and drop them off at places and at the and drop them off at places and at the and drop them off at places and at the University of Houston with staplers and University of Houston with staplers and University of Houston with staplers and things like that and now everything has things like that and now everything has things like that and now everything has transitioned to to be online social transitioned to to be online social transitioned to to be online social media social media and things like that.

media social media and things like that. media social media and things like that. So, uh, and then one of the one of the So, uh, and then one of the one of the So, uh, and then one of the one of the great things that has happened also is great things that has happened also is great things that has happened also is is we've been able to create our own is we've been able to create our own is we've been able to create our own platform. Um, so, um, you know, whatever platform. Um, so, um, you know, whatever platform. Um, so, um, you know, whatever whatever we decide to put out in the whatever we decide to put out in the whatever we decide to put out in the community, whatever action items we community, whatever action items we community, whatever action items we have, we can have direct access to our have, we can have direct access to our have, we can have direct access to our community. So, it's it's it's it's been community. So, it's it's it's it's been community. So, it's it's it's it's been a good it's been some good changes, some a good it's been some good changes, some a good it's been some good changes, some bad changes. Oh, and another big change bad changes. Oh, and another big change bad changes. Oh, and another big change has happened. This is bad too. That that has happened. This is bad too. That that has happened. This is bad too. That that some [laughter] people uh because you some [laughter] people uh because you some [laughter] people uh because you know one of the know one of the know one of the >> unintended consequences of social media >> unintended consequences of social media >> unintended consequences of social media unfortunately has also been that people unfortunately has also been that people unfortunately has also been that people have become a lot more siloed because have become a lot more siloed because have become a lot more siloed because they only listen to what they like not they only listen to what they like not they only listen to what they like not to other perspectives. And so that's to other perspectives. And so that's to other perspectives. And so that's something that we're constantly um riing something that we're constantly um riing something that we're constantly um riing with is that the fact that people um you with is that the fact that people um you with is that the fact that people um you know when you hear enough of it's it's know when you hear enough of it's it's know when you hear enough of it's it's kind of like listening to to streaming kind of like listening to to streaming kind of like listening to to streaming to music streaming you find yourself to music streaming you find yourself to music streaming you find yourself sometimes that you're you know sometimes that you're you know sometimes that you're you know >> you're listening to Bad Bunny all the >> you're listening to Bad Bunny all the >> you're listening to Bad Bunny all the time when there's like so many other time when there's like so many other time when there's like so many other artists out there millions of other artists out there millions of other artists out there millions of other artist but you you have to make that artist but you you have to make that artist but you you have to make that conscious decision to listen to other conscious decision to listen to other conscious decision to listen to other artists or to like search or like have artists or to like search or like have artists or to like search or like have you know your streaming service um you know your streaming service um you know your streaming service um >> play random stuff. Uh but unfortunately >> play random stuff. Uh but unfortunately >> play random stuff. Uh but unfortunately it happens also with news. Some people it happens also with news. Some people it happens also with news. Some people just concentrate to news that they feel just concentrate to news that they feel just concentrate to news that they feel good about without listening to good about without listening to good about without listening to perspectives that that could make them perspectives that that could make them perspectives that that could make them uncomfortable but in a good way.

uncomfortable but in a good way. uncomfortable but in a good way. >> Impactful. Very very impactful. I think >> Impactful. Very very impactful. I think >> Impactful. Very very impactful. I think social media does put you in a niche social media does put you in a niche social media does put you in a niche sometimes when it comes to social media, sometimes when it comes to social media, sometimes when it comes to social media, you know, and and like you said, you'll you know, and and like you said, you'll you know, and and like you said, you'll follow certain people, but other people follow certain people, but other people follow certain people, but other people you might not like how they talk or you might not like how they talk or you might not like how they talk or their perspective and things like that. their perspective and things like that. their perspective and things like that. So, it's very important like even though So, it's very important like even though So, it's very important like even though we do have social media to be able to we do have social media to be able to we do have social media to be able to still have community, you know, it's still have community, you know, it's still have community, you know, it's it's it gives us way more access to a it's it gives us way more access to a it's it gives us way more access to a lot more people, but we also have to lot more people, but we also have to lot more people, but we also have to remember with that being said, there's a remember with that being said, there's a remember with that being said, there's a bigger role that comes with that and bigger role that comes with that and bigger role that comes with that and it's very important, you know, to to it's very important, you know, to to it's very important, you know, to to stay true to yourself while you're on stay true to yourself while you're on stay true to yourself while you're on social media and, you know, being an social media and, you know, being an social media and, you know, being an activist on social media. activist on social media. activist on social media. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> Um, so what uh what if what does uh >> Um, so what uh what if what does uh >> Um, so what uh what if what does uh effective activism look like today for effective activism look like today for effective activism look like today for you? That was a great transition because you? That was a great transition because you? That was a great transition because I was about to say that [laughter] I was about to say that [laughter] I was about to say that [laughter] effective activism it has you have to effective activism it has you have to effective activism it has you have to take it offline. Uh you know not take it offline. Uh you know not take it offline. Uh you know not everything happens online. A lot of everything happens online. A lot of everything happens online. A lot of people are are keyboard warriors and people are are keyboard warriors and people are are keyboard warriors and they go and fight with people or or they they go and fight with people or or they they go and fight with people or or they think that you know but we also need think that you know but we also need think that you know but we also need people people people >> in the streets at city council at county >> in the streets at city council at county >> in the streets at city council at county commissioners you know we need people commissioners you know we need people commissioners you know we need people when it comes time to voting for those when it comes time to voting for those when it comes time to voting for those folks who can vote. We need them at the folks who can vote. We need them at the folks who can vote. We need them at the ballot box uh you know there physically.

ballot box uh you know there physically. ballot box uh you know there physically. So, it's not just enough to to talk So, it's not just enough to to talk So, it's not just enough to to talk about it or to share videos, but what about it or to share videos, but what about it or to share videos, but what are what are what are you physically are what are what are you physically are what are what are you physically doing to activate yourself to to for doing to activate yourself to to for doing to activate yourself to to for that message that you're receiving that message that you're receiving that message that you're receiving online to get you active in your online to get you active in your online to get you active in your community and and so I think I think community and and so I think I think community and and so I think I think that that's um you know very important that that's um you know very important that that's um you know very important and more and more people need to need to and more and more people need to need to and more and more people need to need to jump that part. A lot of people are jump that part. A lot of people are jump that part. A lot of people are like, well, you know, we're scared like, well, you know, we're scared like, well, you know, we're scared things happen. And there's there's things happen. And there's there's things happen. And there's there's organizations like FEL who run uh organizations like FEL who run uh organizations like FEL who run uh peaceful protests that people can come peaceful protests that people can come peaceful protests that people can come come to uh and exercise their first come to uh and exercise their first come to uh and exercise their first amendment right and they go home at the amendment right and they go home at the amendment right and they go home at the end of the day end of the day end of the day >> and they go home and we go home to our >> and they go home and we go home to our >> and they go home and we go home to our friends and family. That's very true. I friends and family. That's very true. I friends and family. That's very true. I think we're definitely in a time where think we're definitely in a time where think we're definitely in a time where we have to be grassroots on the ground we have to be grassroots on the ground we have to be grassroots on the ground type of activism. You know, you have to type of activism. You know, you have to type of activism. You know, you have to be there. You have to show up to city be there. You have to show up to city be there. You have to show up to city hall. You have to be in the communities. hall. You have to be in the communities. hall. You have to be in the communities. you have to go to every event that's you have to go to every event that's you have to go to every event that's going on because they we're powering going on because they we're powering going on because they we're powering numbers, you know, like the people are numbers, you know, like the people are numbers, you know, like the people are really powering numbers. Um, how can really powering numbers. Um, how can really powering numbers. Um, how can every day people really get involved?

every day people really get involved? every day people really get involved? Like what what do you recommend for Like what what do you recommend for Like what what do you recommend for anybody that you know, my my aunt, my anybody that you know, my my aunt, my anybody that you know, my my aunt, my mom, anybody that really wants to help mom, anybody that really wants to help mom, anybody that really wants to help and make a difference and impact, what and make a difference and impact, what and make a difference and impact, what can they do for for now? can they do for for now? can they do for for now? >> Great question. Uh, I think um people >> Great question. Uh, I think um people >> Great question. Uh, I think um people can get involved in whatever way they can get involved in whatever way they can get involved in whatever way they can get involved because that's that's can get involved because that's that's can get involved because that's that's the other thing. Sometimes people think the other thing. Sometimes people think the other thing. Sometimes people think that activism is just going to a rally, that activism is just going to a rally, that activism is just going to a rally, going to a protest. You know what else going to a protest. You know what else going to a protest. You know what else is activism? Holding a fundraiser, a is activism? Holding a fundraiser, a is activism? Holding a fundraiser, a bake sale for to support, you know, last bake sale for to support, you know, last bake sale for to support, you know, last weekend, uh, shout out to DJ Roses. We weekend, uh, shout out to DJ Roses. We weekend, uh, shout out to DJ Roses. We had DJ Roses. We love DJ Roses. had DJ Roses. We love DJ Roses. had DJ Roses. We love DJ Roses. >> We love DJ Roses. She had a a papoosea. >> We love DJ Roses. She had a a papoosea. >> We love DJ Roses. She had a a papoosea. So, and also, uh, shout out to Johnny So, and also, uh, shout out to Johnny So, and also, uh, shout out to Johnny Goldicks. And, you know, we we we have Goldicks. And, you know, we we we have Goldicks. And, you know, we we we have papooseas, too. papooseas, too. papooseas, too. >> Yes. They have these events and and it >> Yes. They have these events and and it >> Yes. They have these events and and it brings community together and through brings community together and through brings community together and through music and through food. Uh, people come music and through food. Uh, people come music and through food. Uh, people come and learn more about the work that's and learn more about the work that's and learn more about the work that's going on. Uh we were able to also during going on. Uh we were able to also during going on. Uh we were able to also during this uh event we were able to raise this uh event we were able to raise this uh event we were able to raise money for the uh Lorenzo Salgado Rajo money for the uh Lorenzo Salgado Rajo money for the uh Lorenzo Salgado Rajo family and we already which we already family and we already which we already family and we already which we already uh sent him a donation for and and and uh sent him a donation for and and and uh sent him a donation for and and and it it it's that's activism. The other it it it's that's activism. The other it it it's that's activism. The other activism is you know activism is you know activism is you know >> getting your kids to get off their >> getting your kids to get off their >> getting your kids to get off their phones and saying you know this this is phones and saying you know this this is phones and saying you know this this is going on in America. Uh what what do you going on in America. Uh what what do you going on in America. Uh what what do you think about it? That that was that was think about it? That that was that was think about it? That that was that was my first iteration of activism was my my first iteration of activism was my my first iteration of activism was my mom, you know, same thing. Back in my mom, you know, same thing. Back in my mom, you know, same thing. Back in my day, we didn't have cell phones and we day, we didn't have cell phones and we day, we didn't have cell phones and we didn't have tablets. And so we would didn't have tablets. And so we would didn't have tablets. And so we would have dinner together all the time and my have dinner together all the time and my have dinner together all the time and my mom would say, you know, we would talk mom would say, you know, we would talk mom would say, you know, we would talk about about about >> hard subjects like slavery and women's >> hard subjects like slavery and women's >> hard subjects like slavery and women's suffrage and things like that. And mom suffrage and things like that. And mom suffrage and things like that. And mom would say, "What do you think about

would say, "What do you think about would say, "What do you think about that?" And she would teach us to think that?" And she would teach us to think that?" And she would teach us to think critically. That's activism. critically. That's activism. critically. That's activism. >> That's uh you know, but >> That's uh you know, but >> That's uh you know, but >> it starts at home. A lot of the times it >> it starts at home. A lot of the times it >> it starts at home. A lot of the times it really does start at home and your own, really does start at home and your own, really does start at home and your own, you know, space and family, you know, to you know, space and family, you know, to you know, space and family, you know, to be be be >> to be the the resilience, you know, that >> to be the the resilience, you know, that >> to be the the resilience, you know, that you have to have when you go out here you have to have when you go out here you have to have when you go out here into the world. So I I believe that that into the world. So I I believe that that into the world. So I I believe that that is [clears throat] very true. is [clears throat] very true. is [clears throat] very true. >> Absolutely. And and you know, and and a >> Absolutely. And and you know, and and a >> Absolutely. And and you know, and and a shout out also to artists and musicians shout out also to artists and musicians shout out also to artists and musicians and and and podcasters and all those and and and podcasters and all those and and and podcasters and all those people like everything that that can be people like everything that that can be people like everything that that can be shared to for the better of the shared to for the better of the shared to for the better of the community uh is activism. Um, you know, community uh is activism. Um, you know, community uh is activism. Um, you know, right now my good friend uh Vleta is right now my good friend uh Vleta is right now my good friend uh Vleta is having a a show um and she does great having a a show um and she does great having a a show um and she does great great great street photography to just great great street photography to just great great street photography to just concert photography and she dedicated concert photography and she dedicated concert photography and she dedicated her show to the community. There's a her show to the community. There's a her show to the community. There's a community altar there where people can community altar there where people can community altar there where people can go and add their pictures and their go and add their pictures and their go and add their pictures and their memories of their loved ones and that's memories of their loved ones and that's memories of their loved ones and that's activism. So shout out to Vleta Alvarez. activism. So shout out to Vleta Alvarez. activism. So shout out to Vleta Alvarez. >> Shout out to her. >> Shout out to her. >> Shout out to her. >> She's at Winter Street Studios right >> She's at Winter Street Studios right >> She's at Winter Street Studios right now. I encourage people to go check out now. I encourage people to go check out now. I encourage people to go check out her work. Um there's other people uh her work. Um there's other people uh her work. Um there's other people uh that use art and photography and that use art and photography and that use art and photography and muralism and and that's activism. So so muralism and and that's activism. So so muralism and and that's activism. So so activism is whatever you want to be but activism is whatever you want to be but activism is whatever you want to be but just become active doing it.

just become active doing it. just become active doing it. >> Don't don't just sharing and and stuff >> Don't don't just sharing and and stuff >> Don't don't just sharing and and stuff is fine. Actually we encourage people is fine. Actually we encourage people is fine. Actually we encourage people share people should share this podcast share people should share this podcast share people should share this podcast with their friends and family. with their friends and family. with their friends and family. >> Inform and inspire. [laughter] >> Inform and inspire. [laughter] >> Inform and inspire. [laughter] >> Yes. But but that that should be step >> Yes. But but that that should be step >> Yes. But but that that should be step one to what's okay. What comes next? one to what's okay. What comes next? one to what's okay. What comes next? >> What comes next? And you know what our >> What comes next? And you know what our >> What comes next? And you know what our cultures are very rich you know and we cultures are very rich you know and we cultures are very rich you know and we love food. We love to to be with each love food. We love to to be with each love food. We love to to be with each other and and come come together. And I other and and come come together. And I other and and come come together. And I think we really need to like take think we really need to like take think we really need to like take advantage of that, you know, take advantage of that, you know, take advantage of that, you know, take advantage of our culture and our advantage of our culture and our advantage of our culture and our community and actually do the things community and actually do the things community and actually do the things that we love to do already, but do it that we love to do already, but do it that we love to do already, but do it for a cause, you know, like the for a cause, you know, like the for a cause, you know, like the papooseas. We we all love to eat. We we papooseas. We we all love to eat. We we papooseas. We we all love to eat. We we know we love DJ Roses. We love her too know we love DJ Roses. We love her too know we love DJ Roses. We love her too cuz she her music is so so cool and cuz she her music is so so cool and cuz she her music is so so cool and bomb. But, you know, we we love that. bomb. But, you know, we we love that. bomb. But, you know, we we love that. And I feel like we do have to find our And I feel like we do have to find our And I feel like we do have to find our ways of actually helping and giving ways of actually helping and giving ways of actually helping and giving back. Even if you're an artist, even if back. Even if you're an artist, even if back. Even if you're an artist, even if you draw or, you know, you could draw a you draw or, you know, you could draw a you draw or, you know, you could draw a picture and actually describe something picture and actually describe something picture and actually describe something that's really going on in the city, that's really going on in the city, that's really going on in the city, immigration statuses. There's so many immigration statuses. There's so many immigration statuses. There's so many things that we really can can do and things that we really can can do and things that we really can can do and really activate, you know, yourself to really activate, you know, yourself to really activate, you know, yourself to actually be a part of the the movement actually be a part of the the movement actually be a part of the the movement here in the community. Um, what mistakes here in the community. Um, what mistakes here in the community. Um, what mistakes do people really make when trying to do people really make when trying to do people really make when trying to help? I know sometimes we might do help? I know sometimes we might do help? I know sometimes we might do things that are not always helpful. So, things that are not always helpful. So, things that are not always helpful. So, what do you think are like things that what do you think are like things that what do you think are like things that we could, you know, become better we could, you know, become better we could, you know, become better >> when when things are done? uh with in >> when when things are done? uh with in >> when when things are done? uh with in good faith. I don't think there we good faith. I don't think there we good faith. I don't think there we should call them mistakes. We should should call them mistakes. We should should call them mistakes. We should call them learning opportunities. So if call them learning opportunities. So if call them learning opportunities. So if you if you're you know if you maybe set you if you're you know if you maybe set you if you're you know if you maybe set the wrong thing, you know, give yourself the wrong thing, you know, give yourself the wrong thing, you know, give yourself some grace and say, "Okay, there will be some grace and say, "Okay, there will be some grace and say, "Okay, there will be other times and try to avoid that." And

other times and try to avoid that." And other times and try to avoid that." And we're never going to be perfect. we're never going to be perfect. we're never going to be perfect. Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes >> we say things that could be >> we say things that could be >> we say things that could be controversial. Um we we do things that controversial. Um we we do things that controversial. Um we we do things that that might not well they may have come that might not well they may have come that might not well they may have come out wrong. Uh but I don't think that out wrong. Uh but I don't think that out wrong. Uh but I don't think that that they're when they're when they're that they're when they're when they're that they're when they're when they're meant with good intention with true good meant with good intention with true good meant with good intention with true good intention uh not fake stuff true good intention uh not fake stuff true good intention uh not fake stuff true good intention then then uh then I think intention then then uh then I think intention then then uh then I think there's always a chance for growth um there's always a chance for growth um there's always a chance for growth um and actually in organizing uh and actually in organizing uh and actually in organizing uh specifically at FEL when we uh do an specifically at FEL when we uh do an specifically at FEL when we uh do an analysis of an event we don't call uh we analysis of an event we don't call uh we analysis of an event we don't call uh we don't do plus or minus we do plus and don't do plus or minus we do plus and don't do plus or minus we do plus and deltas and then the pluses are are what deltas and then the pluses are are what deltas and then the pluses are are what went well okay went well okay went well okay >> and the deltas are what we can improve >> and the deltas are what we can improve >> and the deltas are what we can improve on. So we don't call them mistakes. We on. So we don't call them mistakes. We on. So we don't call them mistakes. We don't say this went wrong, but rather don't say this went wrong, but rather don't say this went wrong, but rather this is something that we can improve this is something that we can improve this is something that we can improve on. And once you have that mentality and on. And once you have that mentality and on. And once you have that mentality and your team has that mentality, your team has that mentality, your team has that mentality, >> then then it it takes a lot of the >> then then it it takes a lot of the >> then then it it takes a lot of the pressure off saying, "Oh, did I do the pressure off saying, "Oh, did I do the pressure off saying, "Oh, did I do the wrong thing? Did I say the wrong thing?" wrong thing? Did I say the wrong thing?" wrong thing? Did I say the wrong thing?" Um, and and it it helps you grow as a Um, and and it it helps you grow as a Um, and and it it helps you grow as a person, as an organizer, and as a person, as an organizer, and as a person, as an organizer, and as a professional.

professional. professional. >> Very very true. I think a lot of the >> Very very true. I think a lot of the >> Very very true. I think a lot of the times we do say it's not what you say, times we do say it's not what you say, times we do say it's not what you say, it's how you say it. And you know, it's it's how you say it. And you know, it's it's how you say it. And you know, it's very important, you know, just to kind very important, you know, just to kind very important, you know, just to kind of have that consciously as as leaders, of have that consciously as as leaders, of have that consciously as as leaders, you know, as as leaders in the city and you know, as as leaders in the city and you know, as as leaders in the city and as speakers and, you know, people that as speakers and, you know, people that as speakers and, you know, people that are going to tune in to you. It's very are going to tune in to you. It's very are going to tune in to you. It's very important for that. Um, how important is important for that. Um, how important is important for that. Um, how important is local activism um involvement compared local activism um involvement compared local activism um involvement compared to the national uh coverage that we're to the national uh coverage that we're to the national uh coverage that we're getting getting getting >> there? There's there's a difference if >> there? There's there's a difference if >> there? There's there's a difference if we're talking about uh another city like we're talking about uh another city like we're talking about uh another city like New York, um Chicago, LA, um activism is New York, um Chicago, LA, um activism is New York, um Chicago, LA, um activism is very important um in those cities. Um, very important um in those cities. Um, very important um in those cities. Um, and they are part of the national stage. and they are part of the national stage. and they are part of the national stage. And this is a a delta for Houston. And this is a a delta for Houston. And this is a a delta for Houston. >> Delta for Houston. [laughter] >> Delta for Houston. [laughter] >> Delta for Houston. [laughter] >> In Houston, we are the fourth largest >> In Houston, we are the fourth largest >> In Houston, we are the fourth largest city in the United States. And we need city in the United States. And we need city in the United States. And we need to start acting like it. to start acting like it. to start acting like it. >> Yes. We need to to make sure that that >> Yes. We need to to make sure that that >> Yes. We need to to make sure that that our voices are heard on any issue, not our voices are heard on any issue, not our voices are heard on any issue, not just on immigration issues, education, just on immigration issues, education, just on immigration issues, education, health, women's health, uh LGBTQIA plus health, women's health, uh LGBTQIA plus health, women's health, uh LGBTQIA plus rights, all that they're hel they're rights, all that they're hel they're rights, all that they're hel they're heard on all of these issues heard on all of these issues heard on all of these issues >> because we are the fourth largest city.

>> because we are the fourth largest city. >> because we are the fourth largest city. We have a huge stake in the game and We have a huge stake in the game and We have a huge stake in the game and more importantly, we are the most more importantly, we are the most more importantly, we are the most diverse city in the United States. So we diverse city in the United States. So we diverse city in the United States. So we have to start acting like it and we have have to start acting like it and we have have to start acting like it and we have to make sure that our activism to make sure that our activism to make sure that our activism um also reflects that. Now there are um also reflects that. Now there are um also reflects that. Now there are challenges in Houston. Part of the challenges in Houston. Part of the challenges in Houston. Part of the challenge has been mobility. People Oh challenge has been mobility. People Oh challenge has been mobility. People Oh yes, you know don't have we don't have a yes, you know don't have we don't have a yes, you know don't have we don't have a mass public transportation system and mass public transportation system and mass public transportation system and things like that. But I think that's things like that. But I think that's things like that. But I think that's something that we should keep in mind to something that we should keep in mind to something that we should keep in mind to make sure that we have make sure that we have make sure that we have >> we put ourselves on the map uh and and >> we put ourselves on the map uh and and >> we put ourselves on the map uh and and tell the rest of the world, hey, we're tell the rest of the world, hey, we're tell the rest of the world, hey, we're not just cool because of our diversity. not just cool because of our diversity. not just cool because of our diversity. But we're also cool because we make our But we're also cool because we make our But we're also cool because we make our diversity work diversity work diversity work >> work. Definitely. I think we do have um >> work. Definitely. I think we do have um >> work. Definitely. I think we do have um such a cultural different background such a cultural different background such a cultural different background here. You know, a lot of cultures, here. You know, a lot of cultures, here. You know, a lot of cultures, ethnicities, and you know, just so much ethnicities, and you know, just so much ethnicities, and you know, just so much in the city that we really do have to in the city that we really do have to in the city that we really do have to activate. You know, we've been saying activate. You know, we've been saying activate. You know, we've been saying how, you know, the things that have how, you know, the things that have how, you know, the things that have happened all over the United States now happened all over the United States now happened all over the United States now with immigration. You know, it's very with immigration. You know, it's very with immigration. You know, it's very scary to a lot of people. Um a lot of scary to a lot of people. Um a lot of scary to a lot of people. Um a lot of cultures are being affected, not only cultures are being affected, not only cultures are being affected, not only the Hispanics, but other cultures as the Hispanics, but other cultures as the Hispanics, but other cultures as well. And you know, it's very important well. And you know, it's very important well. And you know, it's very important to actually keep in mind what your to actually keep in mind what your to actually keep in mind what your impact is and your numbers, the the impact is and your numbers, the the impact is and your numbers, the the number and uh uh the impact of numbers number and uh uh the impact of numbers number and uh uh the impact of numbers and the power that you have, you know, and the power that you have, you know, and the power that you have, you know, when you do when you do things like when you do when you do things like when you do when you do things like this. Um many people are feeling really this. Um many people are feeling really this. Um many people are feeling really uncertain uh these current times uh uncertain uh these current times uh uncertain uh these current times uh immigrations and Latino communities.

immigrations and Latino communities. immigrations and Latino communities. What advice can you give them to What advice can you give them to What advice can you give them to actually give them support during these actually give them support during these actually give them support during these troubling times? troubling times? troubling times? >> Well, I think the most important thing >> Well, I think the most important thing >> Well, I think the most important thing for them to know, for our community to for them to know, for our community to for them to know, for our community to know is that they're not alone. Uh I know is that they're not alone. Uh I know is that they're not alone. Uh I think that there's organizations and think that there's organizations and think that there's organizations and there's people out there uh that are there's people out there uh that are there's people out there uh that are willing to support them. So I think willing to support them. So I think willing to support them. So I think that's really really important for them that's really really important for them that's really really important for them to know. Uh the other thing is you know to know. Uh the other thing is you know to know. Uh the other thing is you know the more practical things is everybody the more practical things is everybody the more practical things is everybody has to have a plan in case anything goes has to have a plan in case anything goes has to have a plan in case anything goes wrong. Um especially in the immigrant wrong. Um especially in the immigrant wrong. Um especially in the immigrant community it's important to not avoid community it's important to not avoid community it's important to not avoid the subject but rather face it headon the subject but rather face it headon the subject but rather face it headon and come up with a family plan. We we we and come up with a family plan. We we we and come up with a family plan. We we we you know Houston we are used to natural you know Houston we are used to natural you know Houston we are used to natural disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes and disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes and disasters, hurricanes, tornadoes and things like that. Oh yes. things like that. Oh yes. things like that. Oh yes. >> We don't know when a hurricane is going >> We don't know when a hurricane is going >> We don't know when a hurricane is going to hit us. We wish that a hurricane to hit us. We wish that a hurricane to hit us. We wish that a hurricane doesn't hit us, but if a hurricane hits doesn't hit us, but if a hurricane hits doesn't hit us, but if a hurricane hits us, we have our little documents in the us, we have our little documents in the us, we have our little documents in the ziploc baggies and and all of that stuff ziploc baggies and and all of that stuff ziploc baggies and and all of that stuff for flooding. And so this is we equate for flooding. And so this is we equate for flooding. And so this is we equate um this ice storm um this ice storm um this ice storm >> as as a hurricane. We don't know when >> as as a hurricane. We don't know when >> as as a hurricane. We don't know when it's going to hit us. We hope that it it's going to hit us. We hope that it it's going to hit us. We hope that it doesn't hit us. It could be at our doesn't hit us. It could be at our doesn't hit us. It could be at our doorstep and then go another way. But we doorstep and then go another way. But we doorstep and then go another way. But we should be ready. We should have uh just should be ready. We should have uh just should be ready. We should have uh just like we have hurricane preparedness like we have hurricane preparedness like we have hurricane preparedness guides, we at FE have im deportation guides, we at FE have im deportation guides, we at FE have im deportation preparedness guides so that people can preparedness guides so that people can preparedness guides so that people can can know what to do and how to prepare can know what to do and how to prepare can know what to do and how to prepare in case the storm does hit home. And so in case the storm does hit home. And so in case the storm does hit home. And so it's really important for folks to have it's really important for folks to have it's really important for folks to have that, but also for folks to know that that, but also for folks to know that that, but also for folks to know that they're not alone. They shouldn't suffer they're not alone. They shouldn't suffer they're not alone. They shouldn't suffer in silence. And if somebody gets picked in silence. And if somebody gets picked in silence. And if somebody gets picked up by immigration, they should reach out up by immigration, they should reach out up by immigration, they should reach out to organizations like Fel who can guide to organizations like Fel who can guide to organizations like Fel who can guide them through the process.

them through the process. them through the process. >> Beautiful. And thank you so much for >> Beautiful. And thank you so much for >> Beautiful. And thank you so much for doing all that great work in our doing all that great work in our doing all that great work in our community. our immigration immigrant community. our immigration immigrant community. our immigration immigrant community really really needs your help community really really needs your help community really really needs your help and I'm so h happy that you're actually and I'm so h happy that you're actually and I'm so h happy that you're actually a standup leader for that. Thank you. a standup leader for that. Thank you. a standup leader for that. Thank you. [clears throat] Um what practical steps [clears throat] Um what practical steps [clears throat] Um what practical steps um can individuals and actually families um can individuals and actually families um can individuals and actually families stay um informed and engaged throughout stay um informed and engaged throughout stay um informed and engaged throughout the times? the times? the times? >> Well um just like we we um we use social >> Well um just like we we um we use social >> Well um just like we we um we use social media to be cheese mus and to like check media to be cheese mus and to like check media to be cheese mus and to like check out what the comm and yeah and what the out what the comm and yeah and what the out what the comm and yeah and what the what the ex is doing and you know all of what the ex is doing and you know all of what the ex is doing and you know all of that stuff. [laughter] We we can use that stuff. [laughter] We we can use that stuff. [laughter] We we can use social media for the greater good and social media for the greater good and social media for the greater good and share. We should be community cheese share. We should be community cheese share. We should be community cheese muscles and like, [laughter] hey, muscles and like, [laughter] hey, muscles and like, [laughter] hey, something's happening here. Let's go something's happening here. Let's go something's happening here. Let's go down there. Let's, you know, let's down there. Let's, you know, let's down there. Let's, you know, let's support this group. Let's support this support this group. Let's support this support this group. Let's support this cause. Let's support this business. cause. Let's support this business. cause. Let's support this business. >> And um and so it's really important for >> And um and so it's really important for >> And um and so it's really important for for everyday people to to be able to do for everyday people to to be able to do for everyday people to to be able to do that. that. that. >> Um and and it's really important for >> Um and and it's really important for >> Um and and it's really important for folks to to know that that even that folks to to know that that even that folks to to know that that even that engagement is engagement. Um the other engagement is engagement. Um the other engagement is engagement. Um the other thing and this is more on the broader thing and this is more on the broader thing and this is more on the broader sense like um I I wish and this is this sense like um I I wish and this is this sense like um I I wish and this is this is me on my soap box now. I wish people is me on my soap box now. I wish people is me on my soap box now. I wish people had more like face to face uh actually had more like face to face uh actually had more like face to face uh actually like call people like like people people like call people like like people people like call people like like people people uh freak out when I call them uh freak out when I call them uh freak out when I call them >> really >> really >> really >> like there's some people especially not >> like there's some people especially not >> like there's some people especially not not not to sound old but but but younger not not to sound old but but but younger not not to sound old but but but younger people have a harder time when I call people have a harder time when I call people have a harder time when I call them. They're like what's wrong? Why are them. They're like what's wrong? Why are them. They're like what's wrong? Why are you calling me? And I'm like the you calling me? And I'm like the you calling me? And I'm like the emergency. Yeah. And I'm like I'm like emergency. Yeah. And I'm like I'm like emergency. Yeah. And I'm like I'm like you know the phone was invented by uh by

you know the phone was invented by uh by you know the phone was invented by uh by what is it? Belle what is it? Belle what is it? Belle >> to like actually hear people's voices >> to like actually hear people's voices >> to like actually hear people's voices and like and like talk to them. So I I and like and like talk to them. So I I and like and like talk to them. So I I am a a caller guy. Like all of my team am a a caller guy. Like all of my team am a a caller guy. Like all of my team will tell you that you know Caesar's will tell you that you know Caesar's will tell you that you know Caesar's always on the phone. He's always uh always on the phone. He's always uh always on the phone. He's always uh calling people. Uh I dislike texting and calling people. Uh I dislike texting and calling people. Uh I dislike texting and and I but I even in that I I go further and I but I even in that I I go further and I but I even in that I I go further and I love to have coffee with people. I and I love to have coffee with people. I and I love to have coffee with people. I love people to come to the office for us love people to come to the office for us love people to come to the office for us to because it just changes the whole to because it just changes the whole to because it just changes the whole dynamic of of the relationship. It dynamic of of the relationship. It dynamic of of the relationship. It builds uh it builds mutual trust and builds uh it builds mutual trust and builds uh it builds mutual trust and respect and and I think that that that's respect and and I think that that that's respect and and I think that that that's something practical that people can do something practical that people can do something practical that people can do in in any in their everyday lives even in in any in their everyday lives even in in any in their everyday lives even with their children with their families with their children with their families with their children with their families like like like >> starting with families like like we >> starting with families like like we >> starting with families like like we should be we should be more should be we should be more should be we should be more >> more more like >> more more like >> more more like >> involved and more a little bit more >> involved and more a little bit more >> involved and more a little bit more involved. Um, how can neighbors support involved. Um, how can neighbors support involved. Um, how can neighbors support one another during these events and one another during these events and one another during these events and these challenging times? Most of the these challenging times? Most of the these challenging times? Most of the time, you know, you hear about things, time, you know, you hear about things, time, you know, you hear about things, but you're not like fully aware of your but you're not like fully aware of your but you're not like fully aware of your own neighbor, you know, do they are they own neighbor, you know, do they are they own neighbor, you know, do they are they legally here? Are they not legally here?

legally here? Are they not legally here? legally here? Are they not legally here? How do I help them? Do they have family? How do I help them? Do they have family? How do I help them? Do they have family? Do they, you know, is there one bread Do they, you know, is there one bread Do they, you know, is there one bread winner in the family? You know, like winner in the family? You know, like winner in the family? You know, like things like that. There's a lot of things like that. There's a lot of things like that. There's a lot of different scenarios that we could we different scenarios that we could we different scenarios that we could we could come about. But how do you help a could come about. But how do you help a could come about. But how do you help a neighbor? neighbor? neighbor? >> The first step is to actually be a >> The first step is to actually be a >> The first step is to actually be a neighbor. Uh most of us and and and my neighbor. Uh most of us and and and my neighbor. Uh most of us and and and my family is guilty was guilty of this like family is guilty was guilty of this like family is guilty was guilty of this like we lived in the neighborhood for 10 we lived in the neighborhood for 10 we lived in the neighborhood for 10 years. We never talked to our neighbors. years. We never talked to our neighbors. years. We never talked to our neighbors. We never uh my people choose most of the We never uh my people choose most of the We never uh my people choose most of the time. time. time. >> Yeah. My my swagger is different. She >> Yeah. My my swagger is different. She >> Yeah. My my swagger is different. She has a whole like she has her whole block has a whole like she has her whole block has a whole like she has her whole block organized and they all have each other's organized and they all have each other's organized and they all have each other's numbers and beautiful and when they when numbers and beautiful and when they when numbers and beautiful and when they when one leaves out of town, they go feed the one leaves out of town, they go feed the one leaves out of town, they go feed the dogs, they they go and water the plants, dogs, they they go and water the plants, dogs, they they go and water the plants, you know, they go pick up the mail, you you know, they go pick up the mail, you you know, they go pick up the mail, you know, there's a network. know, there's a network. know, there's a network. >> Yes. And so I think more people need to >> Yes. And so I think more people need to >> Yes. And so I think more people need to need to do that especially right now uh need to do that especially right now uh need to do that especially right now uh so that people people can know like um so that people people can know like um so that people people can know like um you know can get to know each other and you know can get to know each other and you know can get to know each other and get to know what what the needs are. Um get to know what what the needs are. Um get to know what what the needs are. Um the other thing is um and I'm always a a the other thing is um and I'm always a a the other thing is um and I'm always a a proponent of breaking bread with people. proponent of breaking bread with people. proponent of breaking bread with people. I think that that's such an intimate but I think that that's such an intimate but I think that that's such an intimate but also a powerful way to like get to know also a powerful way to like get to know also a powerful way to like get to know people uh that you know you you share a people uh that you know you you share a people uh that you know you you share a meal or you and then people start um meal or you and then people start um meal or you and then people start um >> you know talking about what their >> you know talking about what their >> you know talking about what their experiences are um and things like that experiences are um and things like that experiences are um and things like that and and and be also be mindful because and and and be also be mindful because and and and be also be mindful because you don't want to go into a thing and be you don't want to go into a thing and be you don't want to go into a thing and be like so do you have papers or not cuz like so do you have papers or not cuz like so do you have papers or not cuz then I would I would freak out. I'd be then I would I would freak out. I'd be then I would I would freak out. I'd be like who are you why are you asking me like who are you why are you asking me like who are you why are you asking me that immigration? [laughter] that immigration? [laughter] that immigration? [laughter] >> Yes.

>> Yes. >> Yes. >> But we don't do that. We don't do that. >> But we don't do that. We don't do that. >> But we don't do that. We don't do that. But uh you know as as you get to know But uh you know as as you get to know But uh you know as as you get to know your neighbors, you get to know that your neighbors, you get to know that your neighbors, you get to know that that um you know their their stories, that um you know their their stories, that um you know their their stories, where they come from, their dynamics and where they come from, their dynamics and where they come from, their dynamics and and and you get to know them truly as and and you get to know them truly as and and you get to know them truly as neighbors. And I think it and we need to neighbors. And I think it and we need to neighbors. And I think it and we need to create that sense of community and not create that sense of community and not create that sense of community and not just in our own neighborhoods, but also just in our own neighborhoods, but also just in our own neighborhoods, but also like across the city. I have friends all like across the city. I have friends all like across the city. I have friends all over Houston. I I I you know, we meet, over Houston. I I I you know, we meet, over Houston. I I I you know, we meet, we talk, uh we talk about what's going we talk, uh we talk about what's going we talk, uh we talk about what's going on in their neighborhood. Um, and so on in their neighborhood. Um, and so on in their neighborhood. Um, and so it's really important to to create that it's really important to to create that it's really important to to create that sense of community, that sense of sense of community, that sense of sense of community, that sense of neighborhood. Uh, but it is a challenge neighborhood. Uh, but it is a challenge neighborhood. Uh, but it is a challenge in a city with six million people with I in a city with six million people with I in a city with six million people with I don't know how many square footage we don't know how many square footage we don't know how many square footage we got, but we're bigger than some got, but we're bigger than some got, but we're bigger than some countries countries countries >> and [laughter] so and so. >> and [laughter] so and so. >> and [laughter] so and so. >> Yeah. And so, but we need to be more in >> Yeah. And so, but we need to be more in >> Yeah. And so, but we need to be more in tune to that. tune to that. tune to that. >> Beautiful. Beautiful. Well said. uh what >> Beautiful. Beautiful. Well said. uh what >> Beautiful. Beautiful. Well said. uh what role do should local like organizations role do should local like organizations role do should local like organizations um play in helping communities uh with um play in helping communities uh with um play in helping communities uh with these rapid changes going on? these rapid changes going on? these rapid changes going on? >> Uh I mean it's a huge responsibility >> Uh I mean it's a huge responsibility >> Uh I mean it's a huge responsibility that local organizations have right now that local organizations have right now that local organizations have right now uh because we're responding to I mean uh because we're responding to I mean uh because we're responding to I mean every single need that you can think of.

every single need that you can think of. every single need that you can think of. Um and we're at capacity. So I think Um and we're at capacity. So I think Um and we're at capacity. So I think part of the uh other thing is that we part of the uh other thing is that we part of the uh other thing is that we need more hands- on deck. We need more need more hands- on deck. We need more need more hands- on deck. We need more people to come forward. Uh this is the people to come forward. Uh this is the people to come forward. Uh this is the part where I also say that we do need part where I also say that we do need part where I also say that we do need more money because a lot of people uh more money because a lot of people uh more money because a lot of people uh think that you know things just come out think that you know things just come out think that you know things just come out of because of what I told you earlier of because of what I told you earlier of because of what I told you earlier that Houston is so under reppresented at that Houston is so under reppresented at that Houston is so under reppresented at the national level. uh funding is hard the national level. uh funding is hard the national level. uh funding is hard for for Houston because they're like why for for Houston because they're like why for for Houston because they're like why why should we invest in Houston if why should we invest in Houston if why should we invest in Houston if you're in a red state and you're like you're in a red state and you're like you're in a red state and you're like whatever and we're like whatever and we're like whatever and we're like >> we have a huge immigrant population >> we have a huge immigrant population >> we have a huge immigrant population about 600,000 one out of every 10 about 600,000 one out of every 10 about 600,000 one out of every 10 Houstononians is undocumented Houstononians is undocumented Houstononians is undocumented >> and so we need the help but we get so >> and so we need the help but we get so >> and so we need the help but we get so much less support much less support much less support >> uh from from uh foundations and other >> uh from from uh foundations and other >> uh from from uh foundations and other people at the national level just people at the national level just people at the national level just because of where our geographical because of where our geographical because of where our geographical location is. So it's up to us. Um, so if location is. So it's up to us. Um, so if location is. So it's up to us. Um, so if there's anybody out in the community, there's anybody out in the community, there's anybody out in the community, anybody watching that has the million anybody watching that has the million anybody watching that has the million dollars, we are a 501c3 taxdeductible dollars, we are a 501c3 taxdeductible dollars, we are a 501c3 taxdeductible organization that can donate. Uh, and if organization that can donate. Uh, and if organization that can donate. Uh, and if you're if you don't have the million you're if you don't have the million you're if you don't have the million dollars, but you can have up to $5,000 dollars, but you can have up to $5,000 dollars, but you can have up to $5,000 that you can part ways with, we that you that you can part ways with, we that you that you can part ways with, we that you can deduct your taxes. [laughter] But if can deduct your taxes. [laughter] But if can deduct your taxes. [laughter] But if you don't even if you don't if you can't you don't even if you don't if you can't you don't even if you don't if you can't come up with the $5,000, a dollar, come up with the $5,000, a dollar, come up with the $5,000, a dollar, >> $2, $10, buying a shirt from us, uh you >> $2, $10, buying a shirt from us, uh you >> $2, $10, buying a shirt from us, uh you know, know, know, >> any any of that if I end up going to the >> any any of that if I end up going to the >> any any of that if I end up going to the events where we have the bubas, uh going events where we have the bubas, uh going events where we have the bubas, uh going to last year they had Pilates and they to last year they had Pilates and they to last year they had Pilates and they had a Zumba thing for us. I I did not do had a Zumba thing for us. I I did not do had a Zumba thing for us. I I did not do Pilates. I did do Zumba. It was there's Pilates. I did do Zumba. It was there's Pilates. I did do Zumba. It was there's a video of me out there. like there a video of me out there. like there a video of me out there. like there there's [laughter] there's [laughter] there's [laughter] there's so many ways that people can get

there's so many ways that people can get there's so many ways that people can get involved and can contribute uh to the involved and can contribute uh to the involved and can contribute uh to the cause. We we've also had um you know one cause. We we've also had um you know one cause. We we've also had um you know one of the you just reminded me of this uh of the you just reminded me of this uh of the you just reminded me of this uh young boy. He probably he's probably in young boy. He probably he's probably in young boy. He probably he's probably in in his early teens now, but a few years in his early teens now, but a few years in his early teens now, but a few years ago, he did a lemonade stand for us and ago, he did a lemonade stand for us and ago, he did a lemonade stand for us and he donated us he donated $23 to us and he donated us he donated $23 to us and he donated us he donated $23 to us and that was so awesome because that was so awesome because that was so awesome because >> he knew what he was setting up the >> he knew what he was setting up the >> he knew what he was setting up the lemonade stand for and then he knew lemonade stand for and then he knew lemonade stand for and then he knew where his money went and and that is where his money went and and that is where his money went and and that is that is so impactful. So any little bit that is so impactful. So any little bit that is so impactful. So any little bit helps. helps. helps. >> It is. And and then age doesn't you know >> It is. And and then age doesn't you know >> It is. And and then age doesn't you know it doesn't stop you. Even if you're it doesn't stop you. Even if you're it doesn't stop you. Even if you're older, younger, age, race, it does not older, younger, age, race, it does not older, younger, age, race, it does not matter. we are so strong that we could matter. we are so strong that we could matter. we are so strong that we could do it ourselves and help others and be do it ourselves and help others and be do it ourselves and help others and be impactful and be the ripple, you know, impactful and be the ripple, you know, impactful and be the ripple, you know, in the community. So, I love that. I in the community. So, I love that. I in the community. So, I love that. I love that that he did that and and love that that he did that and and love that that he did that and and that's so inspiring to to the youth. I that's so inspiring to to the youth. I that's so inspiring to to the youth. I love it. Um as well, um the most recent love it. Um as well, um the most recent love it. Um as well, um the most recent passing of Lorenzo has affected many in passing of Lorenzo has affected many in passing of Lorenzo has affected many in Houston. Um without speculations, what Houston. Um without speculations, what Houston. Um without speculations, what message would you like to share about message would you like to share about message would you like to share about honoring his life and uh supporting honoring his life and uh supporting honoring his life and uh supporting those impacted?

those impacted? those impacted? >> Um I think it's important that we know >> Um I think it's important that we know >> Um I think it's important that we know that this family is not going to be that this family is not going to be that this family is not going to be whole again. I mean, this is a whole again. I mean, this is a whole again. I mean, this is a lifealtering event for Lorenzo, his lifealtering event for Lorenzo, his lifealtering event for Lorenzo, his children, and his wife. Um, and and and children, and his wife. Um, and and and children, and his wife. Um, and and and we have to make sure that we continue to we have to make sure that we continue to we have to make sure that we continue to support them in community, we have to support them in community, we have to support them in community, we have to make sure that that they that at the end make sure that that they that at the end make sure that that they that at the end of the day, whatever the investigation of the day, whatever the investigation of the day, whatever the investigation may may may bring out that it is a may may may bring out that it is a may may may bring out that it is a thorough, transparent investigation, uh, thorough, transparent investigation, uh, thorough, transparent investigation, uh, because this is what the family because this is what the family because this is what the family deserves. This is what the community deserves. This is what the community deserves. This is what the community deserves. Uh and in the name of deserves. Uh and in the name of deserves. Uh and in the name of accountability, we we need to see uh accountability, we we need to see uh accountability, we we need to see uh what happened and and we need to know what happened and and we need to know what happened and and we need to know what happened and and we need to make what happened and and we need to make what happened and and we need to make sure of what happened. sure of what happened. sure of what happened. >> Yes. The details at least for the >> Yes. The details at least for the >> Yes. The details at least for the family. The family needs to know what family. The family needs to know what family. The family needs to know what what you know what happened to them. what you know what happened to them. what you know what happened to them. >> The one thing we are sure of is that >> The one thing we are sure of is that >> The one thing we are sure of is that there is absolutely no law or no there is absolutely no law or no there is absolutely no law or no ordinance or there's no mandate that ordinance or there's no mandate that ordinance or there's no mandate that says that a federal agency gets to be says that a federal agency gets to be says that a federal agency gets to be judge, jury, and executioner on our judge, jury, and executioner on our judge, jury, and executioner on our streets. So that is what we know and streets. So that is what we know and streets. So that is what we know and that is what we're going to continue to that is what we're going to continue to that is what we're going to continue to say until we get the information and the say until we get the information and the say until we get the information and the family gets the the determination that family gets the the determination that family gets the the determination that and the answers that they deserve and the answers that they deserve and the answers that they deserve >> that they deserve. We do. We do. Um how >> that they deserve. We do. We do. Um how >> that they deserve. We do. We do. Um how can the communities channel grief um you can the communities channel grief um you can the communities channel grief um you know during this this crisis that we know during this this crisis that we know during this this crisis that we have?

have? have? >> You're the first person to ask me that >> You're the first person to ask me that >> You're the first person to ask me that question. That's a really good question. question. That's a really good question. question. That's a really good question. [laughter] Uh and and I think um I [laughter] Uh and and I think um I [laughter] Uh and and I think um I haven't really spoken about this haven't really spoken about this haven't really spoken about this publicly, but uh I think it's important publicly, but uh I think it's important publicly, but uh I think it's important for folks to channel grief however they for folks to channel grief however they for folks to channel grief however they channel grief. Some people, you know, channel grief. Some people, you know, channel grief. Some people, you know, like to to listen to music and cry and like to to listen to music and cry and like to to listen to music and cry and and some people just like to cry in and some people just like to cry in and some people just like to cry in silence. Some people like to go to silence. Some people like to go to silence. Some people like to go to vigils and marches. Some people like to vigils and marches. Some people like to vigils and marches. Some people like to so I think whatever way people want to so I think whatever way people want to so I think whatever way people want to channel grief channel grief channel grief >> uh is is is is their own private way of >> uh is is is is their own private way of >> uh is is is is their own private way of doing so and we cannot dictate that. But doing so and we cannot dictate that. But doing so and we cannot dictate that. But what we can ask is that people turn that what we can ask is that people turn that what we can ask is that people turn that grief into action grief into action grief into action >> and then don't just stay with the grief >> and then don't just stay with the grief >> and then don't just stay with the grief and then and we've made as a community and then and we've made as a community and then and we've made as a community we've made the mistake of saying you we've made the mistake of saying you we've made the mistake of saying you know well things happen it happens and know well things happen it happens and know well things happen it happens and and you know we shouldn't you know and you know we shouldn't you know and you know we shouldn't you know you know and it's not normal it's not you know and it's not normal it's not you know and it's not normal it's not and we should all be uh worried because and we should all be uh worried because and we should all be uh worried because >> it was Lorenzo but it could be any one >> it was Lorenzo but it could be any one >> it was Lorenzo but it could be any one of us. You really can. I feel like now of us. You really can. I feel like now of us. You really can. I feel like now as a community, we have learned to like as a community, we have learned to like as a community, we have learned to like desensitize a lot of the things that desensitize a lot of the things that desensitize a lot of the things that really go on, you know, and and grieving really go on, you know, and and grieving really go on, you know, and and grieving is such an important part of, you know, is such an important part of, you know, is such an important part of, you know, just processing your feelings, your just processing your feelings, your just processing your feelings, your emotions, what happened. And it's so emotions, what happened. And it's so emotions, what happened. And it's so important to heal, you know, and part of important to heal, you know, and part of important to heal, you know, and part of that grieving is healing. And it's very that grieving is healing. And it's very that grieving is healing. And it's very impactful. And there's no right or wrong impactful. And there's no right or wrong impactful. And there's no right or wrong way to grieve. I feel like whatever you way to grieve. I feel like whatever you way to grieve. I feel like whatever you do, how you do it, it's is right. You do, how you do it, it's is right. You do, how you do it, it's is right. You know, there's no right or wrong, you know, there's no right or wrong, you know, there's no right or wrong, you know, way to actually grieve. Um, which know, way to actually grieve. Um, which know, way to actually grieve. Um, which is very important during these times.

is very important during these times. is very important during these times. Um, what lessons have you learned about Um, what lessons have you learned about Um, what lessons have you learned about unity and supporting uh during the unity and supporting uh during the unity and supporting uh during the difficult times right now? difficult times right now? difficult times right now? >> Oh, that's a good question, too. >> Oh, that's a good question, too. >> Oh, that's a good question, too. [laughter] Uh, what lessons have I [laughter] Uh, what lessons have I [laughter] Uh, what lessons have I learned about unity? uh is that when learned about unity? uh is that when learned about unity? uh is that when people people people want to help out without any personal want to help out without any personal want to help out without any personal agenda or egos, unity is the strongest agenda or egos, unity is the strongest agenda or egos, unity is the strongest thing that we can come about. thing that we can come about. thing that we can come about. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> Uh but but you have to meet the criteria >> Uh but but you have to meet the criteria >> Uh but but you have to meet the criteria without any any self grandisement or or without any any self grandisement or or without any any self grandisement or or ego. Uh that's where unity really comes ego. Uh that's where unity really comes ego. Uh that's where unity really comes in handy and we need more of that. in handy and we need more of that. in handy and we need more of that. >> We do selflessly. >> We do selflessly. >> We do selflessly. >> Selflessly. Selflessly. Correct. And the >> Selflessly. Selflessly. Correct. And the >> Selflessly. Selflessly. Correct. And the second part of the question was second part of the question was second part of the question was >> the second part was uh >> the second part was uh >> the second part was uh and what uh what's what about honoring and what uh what's what about honoring and what uh what's what about honoring the life and supporting those impacted. the life and supporting those impacted. the life and supporting those impacted. So what really is you know just sharing So what really is you know just sharing So what really is you know just sharing and helping um with with that I and helping um with with that I and helping um with with that I >> I think it's important that we continue >> I think it's important that we continue >> I think it's important that we continue to honor their lives and we can continue to honor their lives and we can continue to honor their lives and we can continue to say these names because otherwise to say these names because otherwise to say these names because otherwise they'll be forgotten in the news cycle.

they'll be forgotten in the news cycle. they'll be forgotten in the news cycle. it'll just be, you know, the next thing it'll just be, you know, the next thing it'll just be, you know, the next thing comes up and and and and comes up and and and and comes up and and and and it it people move on to the next to the it it people move on to the next to the it it people move on to the next to the next thing. So, I think part of it is is next thing. So, I think part of it is is next thing. So, I think part of it is is um keeping that that momentum going and um keeping that that momentum going and um keeping that that momentum going and keeping that support going uh until we keeping that support going uh until we keeping that support going uh until we reach the end of of this case. You know, reach the end of of this case. You know, reach the end of of this case. You know, in Houston, we we helped out the uh John in Houston, we we helped out the uh John in Houston, we we helped out the uh John Deandez family uh about god, it was Deandez family uh about god, it was Deandez family uh about god, it was probably about 10 years ago now. Um, and probably about 10 years ago now. Um, and probably about 10 years ago now. Um, and we were with them for three years, two, we were with them for three years, two, we were with them for three years, two, uh, a mistrial, a retrial. uh, a mistrial, a retrial. uh, a mistrial, a retrial. >> Uh, and at the end of the day, uh, we >> Uh, and at the end of the day, uh, we >> Uh, and at the end of the day, uh, we got the person who murdered John in got the person who murdered John in got the person who murdered John in jail. jail. jail. >> But it it was it was a lot of work and >> But it it was it was a lot of work and >> But it it was it was a lot of work and it was a lot of keeping it and making it was a lot of keeping it and making it was a lot of keeping it and making sure that that the media did not forget sure that that the media did not forget sure that that the media did not forget John's name, uh, that the media did not John's name, uh, that the media did not John's name, uh, that the media did not forget this family until justice was forget this family until justice was forget this family until justice was done. done. done. >> That's beautiful. That is definitely >> That's beautiful. That is definitely >> That's beautiful. That is definitely beautiful. And a lot of the times we do beautiful. And a lot of the times we do beautiful. And a lot of the times we do forget that you know it all of this forget that you know it all of this forget that you know it all of this process you know the civil courts all of process you know the civil courts all of process you know the civil courts all of this is it it takes a long time. It's this is it it takes a long time. It's this is it it takes a long time. It's it's not an easy you know just one two it's not an easy you know just one two it's not an easy you know just one two three you go in and come out. it takes three you go in and come out. it takes three you go in and come out. it takes months sometimes, years sometimes to months sometimes, years sometimes to months sometimes, years sometimes to actually get actually get actually get >> some type of, you know, answer, you >> some type of, you know, answer, you >> some type of, you know, answer, you know, and and that's so beautiful that know, and and that's so beautiful that know, and and that's so beautiful that you actually stay with them throughout you actually stay with them throughout you actually stay with them throughout that whole process because a lot of the that whole process because a lot of the that whole process because a lot of the times our Latino community is scared, times our Latino community is scared, times our Latino community is scared, you know, to even come into core to come you know, to even come into core to come you know, to even come into core to come into these locations and and you know, into these locations and and you know, into these locations and and you know, not feel confident walking in and just not feel confident walking in and just not feel confident walking in and just having you there, you know, you have having you there, you know, you have having you there, you know, you have that support and I feel like that's so

that support and I feel like that's so that support and I feel like that's so beautiful that our community and Houston beautiful that our community and Houston beautiful that our community and Houston actually has some someone like you and actually has some someone like you and actually has some someone like you and then very inspiring. Thank you. Thank then very inspiring. Thank you. Thank then very inspiring. Thank you. Thank you for actually doing that. you for actually doing that. you for actually doing that. >> And you know, and scare and fear and all >> And you know, and scare and fear and all >> And you know, and scare and fear and all of that is normal. The first time I went of that is normal. The first time I went of that is normal. The first time I went to court with the family, I was like I to court with the family, I was like I to court with the family, I was like I was scared too. I was like, I don't was scared too. I was like, I don't was scared too. I was like, I don't know. I don't know what I'm doing. know. I don't know what I'm doing. know. I don't know what I'm doing. >> Uh I didn't have papers at the time. So >> Uh I didn't have papers at the time. So >> Uh I didn't have papers at the time. So I was like, you know, like there there's I was like, you know, like there there's I was like, you know, like there there's fear. But fear. But fear. But >> uh one of the other key pillars of what >> uh one of the other key pillars of what >> uh one of the other key pillars of what Fel um says now is we never allow people Fel um says now is we never allow people Fel um says now is we never allow people to to do some we never ask people to do to to do some we never ask people to do to to do some we never ask people to do something that we're not willing to do something that we're not willing to do something that we're not willing to do ourselves. And most of the time when we ourselves. And most of the time when we ourselves. And most of the time when we step into these places is because we've step into these places is because we've step into these places is because we've been there and we know what can happen been there and we know what can happen been there and we know what can happen when people speak out. when people speak out. when people speak out. >> Beautiful. That is very very beautiful. >> Beautiful. That is very very beautiful. >> Beautiful. That is very very beautiful. I love that. Um also, how can I love that. Um also, how can I love that. Um also, how can communities channel Oh, I'm sorry. What communities channel Oh, I'm sorry. What communities channel Oh, I'm sorry. What was your experience like at city hall? was your experience like at city hall? was your experience like at city hall? >> Um I've been to city hall uh probably >> Um I've been to city hall uh probably >> Um I've been to city hall uh probably 6,000 times at this point. Which one are 6,000 times at this point. Which one are 6,000 times at this point. Which one are we talking? I've had really good I've we talking? I've had really good I've we talking? I've had really good I've had really good experiences. I've had had really good experiences. I've had had really good experiences. I've had really good experiences. I have really really good experiences. I have really really good experiences. I have really bad experiences. So, talk about three.

bad experiences. So, talk about three. bad experiences. So, talk about three. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Uh the top [laughter] three. >> Uh the top [laughter] three. >> Uh the top [laughter] three. >> Uh you're making me think of my feet. I >> Uh you're making me think of my feet. I >> Uh you're making me think of my feet. I like this. Uh the the first I guess the like this. Uh the the first I guess the like this. Uh the the first I guess the one of the first major No, I mean I've one of the first major No, I mean I've one of the first major No, I mean I've been in city hall. I've been going to been in city hall. I've been going to been in city hall. I've been going to city hall since I was 15 years old. I'm city hall since I was 15 years old. I'm city hall since I was 15 years old. I'm now 41. So, uh 25 26 years. Uh I learned now 41. So, uh 25 26 years. Uh I learned now 41. So, uh 25 26 years. Uh I learned the first time I went to city hall. I the first time I went to city hall. I the first time I went to city hall. I was scared. I was nervous. I didn't know was scared. I was nervous. I didn't know was scared. I was nervous. I didn't know what to say. what to say. what to say. >> What do I do? Uh but one of the in my >> What do I do? Uh but one of the in my >> What do I do? Uh but one of the in my early stages of my activism uh probably early stages of my activism uh probably early stages of my activism uh probably in 2008 in 2008 in 2008 yes 2008 uh I did uh receive a yes 2008 uh I did uh receive a yes 2008 uh I did uh receive a proclamation to the city. There is a proclamation to the city. There is a proclamation to the city. There is a cases esposa day somewhere in one of my cases esposa day somewhere in one of my cases esposa day somewhere in one of my archives. Uh archives. Uh archives. Uh >> and uh and that was one of the that was >> and uh and that was one of the that was >> and uh and that was one of the that was a really good experience. My family was a really good experience. My family was a really good experience. My family was very proud. I was a young man at that very proud. I was a young man at that very proud. I was a young man at that point. point. point. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> Beautiful. >> Uh and then there's been times where >> Uh and then there's been times where >> Uh and then there's been times where I've gotten dragged out of city hall. Uh I've gotten dragged out of city hall. Uh I've gotten dragged out of city hall. Uh yes, I've been I've been uh been picked yes, I've been I've been uh been picked yes, I've been I've been uh been picked up and physically lifted from from up and physically lifted from from up and physically lifted from from chambers for for speaking truth to chambers for for speaking truth to chambers for for speaking truth to power. Um and this last time was really power. Um and this last time was really power. Um and this last time was really incredible because uh especially during incredible because uh especially during incredible because uh especially during this during this uh last time that we this during this uh last time that we this during this uh last time that we went and calling for justice for calling went and calling for justice for calling went and calling for justice for calling for independent investigation, a for independent investigation, a for independent investigation, a city-led independent investigation for city-led independent investigation for city-led independent investigation for the Lorenus Salgador the Lorenus Salgador the Lorenus Salgador um killing. Uh it was really powerful to um killing. Uh it was really powerful to um killing. Uh it was really powerful to see chamber um packed with community see chamber um packed with community see chamber um packed with community members. The overflow room was packed members. The overflow room was packed members. The overflow room was packed with community members and outside was with community members and outside was with community members and outside was packed with people calling for Justin packed with people calling for Justin packed with people calling for Justin and so and so justice. And so when we're

and so and so justice. And so when we're and so and so justice. And so when we're speaking to the mayor, you hear the speaking to the mayor, you hear the speaking to the mayor, you hear the chanting and it was really interesting chanting and it was really interesting chanting and it was really interesting and really powerful to hear that because and really powerful to hear that because and really powerful to hear that because they were they were listening to it. they were they were listening to it. they were they were listening to it. they were hearing it and and and we've they were hearing it and and and we've they were hearing it and and and we've seen already the mayor's changed his seen already the mayor's changed his seen already the mayor's changed his tone on some of these things, but we tone on some of these things, but we tone on some of these things, but we have to keep going otherwise we're going have to keep going otherwise we're going have to keep going otherwise we're going to revert back. to revert back. to revert back. >> That's amazing. That actually gave me >> That's amazing. That actually gave me >> That's amazing. That actually gave me goosebumps while you were saying that goosebumps while you were saying that goosebumps while you were saying that just how impactful that is and and you just how impactful that is and and you just how impactful that is and and you know it is all about showing up know it is all about showing up know it is all about showing up especially you know at city halls, especially you know at city halls, especially you know at city halls, different events and location. It's so different events and location. It's so different events and location. It's so important to show up just be there commu important to show up just be there commu important to show up just be there commu community come together you know we community come together you know we community come together you know we inspire each other we inform each other inspire each other we inform each other inspire each other we inform each other and that's how we help each other really and that's how we help each other really and that's how we help each other really and it's and it really is healing just and it's and it really is healing just and it's and it really is healing just to see you know hearing that outside to see you know hearing that outside to see you know hearing that outside while you're inside you know speaking to while you're inside you know speaking to while you're inside you know speaking to the mayor and speaking to the different the mayor and speaking to the different the mayor and speaking to the different officials. So that is so amazing and officials. So that is so amazing and officials. So that is so amazing and that's so cool to actually have that's so cool to actually have that's so cool to actually have experienced that. Um experienced that. Um experienced that. Um >> actually let me add something to that. >> actually let me add something to that. >> actually let me add something to that. Now part of what people don't see is the Now part of what people don't see is the Now part of what people don't see is the impact that that we make. Uh there's a impact that that we make. Uh there's a impact that that we make. Uh there's a young lady who's interning with us right young lady who's interning with us right young lady who's interning with us right now and she's undocumented. And when she now and she's undocumented. And when she now and she's undocumented. And when she started her internship with us, she we started her internship with us, she we started her internship with us, she we took her to city hall for the first time took her to city hall for the first time took her to city hall for the first time and she was she was very scared like she and she was she was very scared like she and she was she was very scared like she was like because of her status was like because of her status was like because of her status >> and things like that, she was she was >> and things like that, she was she was >> and things like that, she was she was worried genuinely worried worried genuinely worried worried genuinely worried >> and as me as a as a as an organizer, the >> and as me as a as a as an organizer, the >> and as me as a as a as an organizer, the executive director of FE also kind of executive director of FE also kind of executive director of FE also kind of like a a dad of of the interns and stuff like a a dad of of the interns and stuff like a a dad of of the interns and stuff like [laughter] that. It was really like [laughter] that. It was really like [laughter] that. It was really powerful that she came up uh she before powerful that she came up uh she before powerful that she came up uh she before she left yesterday, before she left her she left yesterday, before she left her she left yesterday, before she left her office yesterday, I I told her I was office yesterday, I I told her I was office yesterday, I I told her I was like, "Thank you for all your help like, "Thank you for all your help like, "Thank you for all your help today. You were phenomenal." And she was

today. You were phenomenal." And she was today. You were phenomenal." And she was like, "No, no, thank you. It was a great like, "No, no, thank you. It was a great like, "No, no, thank you. It was a great experience." And then she like she's experience." And then she like she's experience." And then she like she's about to leave and then she comes back. about to leave and then she comes back. about to leave and then she comes back. She was like, She was like, She was like, >> "I think I want to speak the next time >> "I think I want to speak the next time >> "I think I want to speak the next time at city hall." at city hall." at city hall." >> Amazing. >> Amazing. >> Amazing. And I was like [gasps] And I was like [gasps] And I was like [gasps] >> I was like, >> I was like, >> I was like, >> "Yes, >> "Yes, >> "Yes, >> it's I'm starting to It's like the >> it's I'm starting to It's like the >> it's I'm starting to It's like the Matrix. my little pupil. Matrix. my little pupil. Matrix. my little pupil. >> I'm starting to believe like and and >> I'm starting to believe like and and >> I'm starting to believe like and and that and that's so powerful because uh that and that's so powerful because uh that and that's so powerful because uh in what in many many things that we do, in what in many many things that we do, in what in many many things that we do, we help people also find their voice. we help people also find their voice. we help people also find their voice. >> Beautiful. That is the most beautiful >> Beautiful. That is the most beautiful >> Beautiful. That is the most beautiful part. You know, your voice is so part. You know, your voice is so part. You know, your voice is so powerful and we can no longer be powerful and we can no longer be powerful and we can no longer be silenced, you know. I think that's silenced, you know. I think that's silenced, you know. I think that's what's mostly an impactful thing in what's mostly an impactful thing in what's mostly an impactful thing in Houston that we have a lot of great Houston that we have a lot of great Houston that we have a lot of great leaders that actually speak up and they leaders that actually speak up and they leaders that actually speak up and they will speak up true true colors, you will speak up true true colors, you will speak up true true colors, you know, and that is so impactful because know, and that is so impactful because know, and that is so impactful because we need that. we need more leaders to we need that. we need more leaders to we need that. we need more leaders to stand up and actually be, you know, the stand up and actually be, you know, the stand up and actually be, you know, the voice of the community of your community voice of the community of your community voice of the community of your community at that. So, that is so amazing. I I at that. So, that is so amazing. I I at that. So, that is so amazing. I I really hope and that she does go up really hope and that she does go up really hope and that she does go up there and we hear her next time. Yes, there and we hear her next time. Yes, there and we hear her next time. Yes, we're going to definitely we're going to we're going to definitely we're going to we're going to definitely we're going to look for that one. Um, [snorts] look for that one. Um, [snorts] look for that one. Um, [snorts] on a on a different scale, um, what on a on a different scale, um, what on a on a different scale, um, what makes a strong community leader?

makes a strong community leader? makes a strong community leader? >> Um, our tribe, our family, uh, my wife, >> Um, our tribe, our family, uh, my wife, >> Um, our tribe, our family, uh, my wife, my son, my mom. Uh, I talk to mom every my son, my mom. Uh, I talk to mom every my son, my mom. Uh, I talk to mom every single day. single day. single day. >> Yeah. Uh, and >> Yeah. Uh, and >> Yeah. Uh, and >> shout out to mama. Shout out to mom >> shout out to mama. Shout out to mom >> shout out to mama. Shout out to mom who's in Mexico right now. But uh I call who's in Mexico right now. But uh I call who's in Mexico right now. But uh I call her I call her every day and and we talk her I call her every day and and we talk her I call her every day and and we talk and and it's just having that having and and it's just having that having and and it's just having that having that that support network. My friends that that support network. My friends that that support network. My friends too. I have friends that I talk to every too. I have friends that I talk to every too. I have friends that I talk to every single day. They check up on me. I have single day. They check up on me. I have single day. They check up on me. I have people that text me and then I mean even people that text me and then I mean even people that text me and then I mean even a minute things like did you eat a minute things like did you eat a minute things like did you eat already? Are you drinking enough water? already? Are you drinking enough water? already? Are you drinking enough water? Like like people remind and then and Like like people remind and then and Like like people remind and then and then that's also so helpful. Um, but then that's also so helpful. Um, but then that's also so helpful. Um, but what keeps me going is is I mean that's what keeps me going is is I mean that's what keeps me going is is I mean that's what really helps is like that support what really helps is like that support what really helps is like that support system and and it is it is uh impactful system and and it is it is uh impactful system and and it is it is uh impactful like uh this week um you know I haven't like uh this week um you know I haven't like uh this week um you know I haven't really seen my family like I haven't really seen my family like I haven't really seen my family like I haven't seen my my wife and my kid and seen my my wife and my kid and seen my my wife and my kid and >> uh and so it's really important for for >> uh and so it's really important for for >> uh and so it's really important for for us to um us to um us to um for us to have those times and for us to for us to have those times and for us to for us to have those times and for us to be able to be able to be able to uh to to continue uh living that and to uh to to continue uh living that and to uh to to continue uh living that and to continue to have that support system. So continue to have that support system. So continue to have that support system. So beautiful shout out to to to the tribe.

beautiful shout out to to to the tribe. beautiful shout out to to to the tribe. >> Shout out shout out to everybody that >> Shout out shout out to everybody that >> Shout out shout out to everybody that supports especially keeps us glued supports especially keeps us glued supports especially keeps us glued together. Um I also on the other scale together. Um I also on the other scale together. Um I also on the other scale leadership takes a lot. You know your leadership takes a lot. You know your leadership takes a lot. You know your workload and and everything that you put workload and and everything that you put workload and and everything that you put on your back. It's a lot. What do you do on your back. It's a lot. What do you do on your back. It's a lot. What do you do to prevent the burnout? to prevent the burnout? to prevent the burnout? >> Um >> Um >> Um I have moments of levity. So, so, so I have moments of levity. So, so, so I have moments of levity. So, so, so there's a maybe I'm maybe I'm gonna I'm there's a maybe I'm maybe I'm gonna I'm there's a maybe I'm maybe I'm gonna I'm gonna unmask myself here on the Yes JJ gonna unmask myself here on the Yes JJ gonna unmask myself here on the Yes JJ show, but just a little bit. It's okay. show, but just a little bit. It's okay. show, but just a little bit. It's okay. >> But, uh, >> But, uh, >> But, uh, >> you know, when when people there there's >> you know, when when people there there's >> you know, when when people there there's two types of people that I I work with, two types of people that I I work with, two types of people that I I work with, and it's the people that and it's the people that and it's the people that >> um or that or that see me, I guess you >> um or that or that see me, I guess you >> um or that or that see me, I guess you can say. There's the people that um that can say. There's the people that um that can say. There's the people that um that see me out in when I'm angry, when I'm see me out in when I'm angry, when I'm see me out in when I'm angry, when I'm yelling at people, when I'm like yelling at people, when I'm like yelling at people, when I'm like intense, like in the rain, you know, intense, like in the rain, you know, intense, like in the rain, you know, throwing it down. And then there's throwing it down. And then there's throwing it down. And then there's people that know how I actually really people that know how I actually really people that know how I actually really am. And in my personal life and in my am. And in my personal life and in my am. And in my personal life and in my professional life, um you know, behind professional life, um you know, behind professional life, um you know, behind the scenes, I'm I'm very relaxed. I I I the scenes, I'm I'm very relaxed. I I I the scenes, I'm I'm very relaxed. I I I listen to people a lot. Uh I'm very I I listen to people a lot. Uh I'm very I I listen to people a lot. Uh I'm very I I I love to joke. Uh I love to have uh I I love to joke. Uh I love to have uh I I love to joke. Uh I love to have uh I love to dance. I love to sing. I love to love to dance. I love to sing. I love to love to dance. I love to sing. I love to uh hang out with my kiddo. Uh so, and I uh hang out with my kiddo. Uh so, and I uh hang out with my kiddo. Uh so, and I am the the fun to my all of my the am the the fun to my all of my the am the the fun to my all of my the >> fun uncle to all of my uh >> fun uncle to all of my uh >> fun uncle to all of my uh >> How many How many uh nephews and nieces >> How many How many uh nephews and nieces >> How many How many uh nephews and nieces do you have?

do you have? do you have? >> I have one, two, three, four, five. I >> I have one, two, three, four, five. I >> I have one, two, three, four, five. I have five right now. Yeah. Okay. And have five right now. Yeah. Okay. And have five right now. Yeah. Okay. And >> keep you busy. >> keep you busy. >> keep you busy. >> Yeah. And I go I go to to my mom's >> Yeah. And I go I go to to my mom's >> Yeah. And I go I go to to my mom's house, to my sister's house, and we uh house, to my sister's house, and we uh house, to my sister's house, and we uh and I play with them, and we play Simon and I play with them, and we play Simon and I play with them, and we play Simon Says, and we wrestle, and I sometimes Says, and we wrestle, and I sometimes Says, and we wrestle, and I sometimes play too tough with them, and they cry. play too tough with them, and they cry. play too tough with them, and they cry. But uh [laughter] but you know, it's But uh [laughter] but you know, it's But uh [laughter] but you know, it's part of being an uncle and and then we part of being an uncle and and then we part of being an uncle and and then we go places and then just hanging around go places and then just hanging around go places and then just hanging around with with them really um really helps with with them really um really helps with with them really um really helps me. But I'm also um I also that's that's me. But I'm also um I also that's that's me. But I'm also um I also that's that's a part of my life. The other thing uh a part of my life. The other thing uh a part of my life. The other thing uh that I've been uh I've been sharing, you that I've been uh I've been sharing, you that I've been uh I've been sharing, you know, and and and this this specifically know, and and and this this specifically know, and and and this this specifically a shout out to my wife is that she's a shout out to my wife is that she's a shout out to my wife is that she's like I come home and she's like, "Well, like I come home and she's like, "Well, like I come home and she's like, "Well, you're tired and this and that." And you're tired and this and that." And you're tired and this and that." And then the other day, you know, little then the other day, you know, little then the other day, you know, little things. We were pumping gas and I things. We were pumping gas and I things. We were pumping gas and I noticed that her windshield wipers were noticed that her windshield wipers were noticed that her windshield wipers were gone and that she didn't have liquid in gone and that she didn't have liquid in gone and that she didn't have liquid in her car cuz I I hadn't her car cuz I I hadn't her car cuz I I hadn't >> done that. >> done that. >> done that. >> And then so like we're over there at >> And then so like we're over there at >> And then so like we're over there at midnight and I'm getting her windshield midnight and I'm getting her windshield midnight and I'm getting her windshield wipers and I'm getting her the little wipers and I'm getting her the little wipers and I'm getting her the little liquid for the for the car for the liquid for the for the car for the liquid for the for the car for the windshield and all of that stuff. And windshield and all of that stuff. And windshield and all of that stuff. And she's like, you know, you don't have to.

she's like, you know, you don't have to. she's like, you know, you don't have to. And and I tell her, I was like, you And and I tell her, I was like, you And and I tell her, I was like, you know, at the end of the day, I am Cesar, know, at the end of the day, I am Cesar, know, at the end of the day, I am Cesar, the executive director of Fel. the executive director of Fel. the executive director of Fel. >> Yes. But I'm also uh a dad and a husband >> Yes. But I'm also uh a dad and a husband >> Yes. But I'm also uh a dad and a husband and so and so I think all of that um and so and so I think all of that um and so and so I think all of that um helps and it it just uh it keeps it helps and it it just uh it keeps it helps and it it just uh it keeps it keeps things balanced. keeps things balanced. keeps things balanced. >> That is beautiful. That is beautiful. I >> That is beautiful. That is beautiful. I >> That is beautiful. That is beautiful. I think it's so important to you know think it's so important to you know think it's so important to you know shake a tail feather or put some music shake a tail feather or put some music shake a tail feather or put some music on or or do some fun stuff, you know, on or or do some fun stuff, you know, on or or do some fun stuff, you know, when it's when you're so stressed out. when it's when you're so stressed out. when it's when you're so stressed out. We we get overwhelmed. there's so much We we get overwhelmed. there's so much We we get overwhelmed. there's so much going on, you know, all over the Houston going on, you know, all over the Houston going on, you know, all over the Houston and the world and and and us as as, you and the world and and and us as as, you and the world and and and us as as, you know, a whole nation, you know, we have know, a whole nation, you know, we have know, a whole nation, you know, we have a lot on our backs and it's just so it's a lot on our backs and it's just so it's a lot on our backs and it's just so it's definitely a great mental break to be definitely a great mental break to be definitely a great mental break to be able to actually like chill, not be the able to actually like chill, not be the able to actually like chill, not be the executive for a day, be a, you know, a executive for a day, be a, you know, a executive for a day, be a, you know, a husband, a dad, you know, the uncle, the husband, a dad, you know, the uncle, the husband, a dad, you know, the uncle, the fun uncle, you know, run around, do some fun uncle, you know, run around, do some fun uncle, you know, run around, do some fun stuff, you know, we we forget that fun stuff, you know, we we forget that fun stuff, you know, we we forget that we're human, you know, and and that's we're human, you know, and and that's we're human, you know, and and that's that's so beautiful about having that, that's so beautiful about having that, that's so beautiful about having that, you know, having our friends and our you know, having our friends and our you know, having our friends and our family with us that they remind us, you family with us that they remind us, you family with us that they remind us, you know, to like keep going. It gives you know, to like keep going. It gives you know, to like keep going. It gives you that little extra push, you know, at the that little extra push, you know, at the that little extra push, you know, at the end of the day when you're just burnt end of the day when you're just burnt end of the day when you're just burnt out, tired, stressed out, you know, and out, tired, stressed out, you know, and out, tired, stressed out, you know, and and it's so it's so beautiful to and it's so it's so beautiful to and it's so it's so beautiful to actually see that.

actually see that. actually see that. >> Um, what would you say uh that you like >> Um, what would you say uh that you like >> Um, what would you say uh that you like to do in Houston? What's what's one of to do in Houston? What's what's one of to do in Houston? What's what's one of your favorite restaurants here in your favorite restaurants here in your favorite restaurants here in Houston that you like to go out with the Houston that you like to go out with the Houston that you like to go out with the family or friends? family or friends? family or friends? >> I think you already know the answer to >> I think you already know the answer to >> I think you already know the answer to that question. My favorite thing to do that question. My favorite thing to do that question. My favorite thing to do in Houston is eat. in Houston is eat. in Houston is eat. >> I love to eat. >> I love to eat. >> I love to eat. >> Uh, you know, I love to eat and drink >> Uh, you know, I love to eat and drink >> Uh, you know, I love to eat and drink coffee. Uh uh some of my uh god there's coffee. Uh uh some of my uh god there's coffee. Uh uh some of my uh god there's so many good things to eat. I have so many good things to eat. I have so many good things to eat. I have categories. I have I have categories on categories. I have I have categories on categories. I have I have categories on the Google map of like types of food, the Google map of like types of food, the Google map of like types of food, what kind of food, uh prices, you you what kind of food, uh prices, you you what kind of food, uh prices, you you name it. Uh but right now uh I think you name it. Uh but right now uh I think you name it. Uh but right now uh I think you know know know >> some of my h I don't want to hurt >> some of my h I don't want to hurt >> some of my h I don't want to hurt feelings, but uh some of my favorite feelings, but uh some of my favorite feelings, but uh some of my favorite spots are are are Maximo run by Chef spots are are are Maximo run by Chef spots are are are Maximo run by Chef Adrian. He just won the James Beard Adrian. He just won the James Beard Adrian. He just won the James Beard Award. Uh another I want to also give a Award. Uh another I want to also give a Award. Uh another I want to also give a shout out to Cochinita and co uh run by shout out to Cochinita and co uh run by shout out to Cochinita and co uh run by uh chef Victoria uh is her food her uh chef Victoria uh is her food her uh chef Victoria uh is her food her coinita is is my favorite. And then and coinita is is my favorite. And then and coinita is is my favorite. And then and then if you if you are if you go to then if you if you are if you go to then if you if you are if you go to coinita and co and you don't try uh the coinita and co and you don't try uh the coinita and co and you don't try uh the the vegan dinga tostadas the vegan dinga tostadas the vegan dinga tostadas >> you're missing out. Uh you're missing >> you're missing out. Uh you're missing >> you're missing out. Uh you're missing out. I I that's like I'm not vegan.

out. I I that's like I'm not vegan. out. I I that's like I'm not vegan. [laughter] I eat meat and but I respect [laughter] I eat meat and but I respect [laughter] I eat meat and but I respect people that that are vegan and people that that are vegan and people that that are vegan and vegetarian, but but I crave those vegetarian, but but I crave those vegetarian, but but I crave those tostadas. So, shout out to Chef tostadas. So, shout out to Chef tostadas. So, shout out to Chef Victoria. Uh I think uh uh you know Victoria. Uh I think uh uh you know Victoria. Uh I think uh uh you know there's so many there's so many good uh there's so many there's so many good uh there's so many there's so many good uh Vietnamese places. My second favorite Vietnamese places. My second favorite Vietnamese places. My second favorite food besides Mexican food is is Asian food besides Mexican food is is Asian food besides Mexican food is is Asian food. Um, one of the things that I, um, food. Um, one of the things that I, um, food. Um, one of the things that I, um, that's that same thing. It's another that's that same thing. It's another that's that same thing. It's another side of me. It's like, uh, in the last side of me. It's like, uh, in the last side of me. It's like, uh, in the last two years I've been able to travel to two years I've been able to travel to two years I've been able to travel to outside of the country because I got my outside of the country because I got my outside of the country because I got my green card and, uh, I've spent sometimes green card and, uh, I've spent sometimes green card and, uh, I've spent sometimes uh, the first time I went to Mexico, uh, the first time I went to Mexico, uh, the first time I went to Mexico, well, the second time I went to Mexico, well, the second time I went to Mexico, well, the second time I went to Mexico, I spent about a month out there. I spent about a month out there. I spent about a month out there. >> Oh, beautiful. >> Oh, beautiful. >> Oh, beautiful. >> And and when I came back, I got picked >> And and when I came back, I got picked >> And and when I came back, I got picked up from the airport and they were like, up from the airport and they were like, up from the airport and they were like, "Well, what do you want to I'm like, "Well, what do you want to I'm like, "Well, what do you want to I'm like, "Please, please, please take me to f." "Please, please, please take me to f." "Please, please, please take me to f." Like, I need to eat. I need fur in my Like, I need to eat. I need fur in my Like, I need to eat. I need fur in my life right now because there's no fur in life right now because there's no fur in life right now because there's no fur in Mexico City. Well, good. There's no good Mexico City. Well, good. There's no good Mexico City. Well, good. There's no good fud. fud. fud. >> Sorry. Sorry to Sorry to Mexico City. >> Sorry. Sorry to Sorry to Mexico City. >> Sorry. Sorry to Sorry to Mexico City. Mexico City has amazing food, but they Mexico City has amazing food, but they Mexico City has amazing food, but they don't have good f. And and so that I was don't have good f. And and so that I was don't have good f. And and so that I was like, it's almost like a an ambulance like, it's almost like a an ambulance like, it's almost like a an ambulance was taking me to to my favorite was taking me to to my favorite was taking me to to my favorite Vietnamese Vietnamese spot.

Vietnamese Vietnamese spot. Vietnamese Vietnamese spot. >> And I ate everything cuz I was I was >> And I ate everything cuz I was I was >> And I ate everything cuz I was I was missing missing it. missing missing it. missing missing it. >> We love This is what we love about >> We love This is what we love about >> We love This is what we love about Houston is the food. We love BME F. We Houston is the food. We love BME F. We Houston is the food. We love BME F. We love all the the good stuff, man. I love love all the the good stuff, man. I love love all the the good stuff, man. I love noodles. I'm a big noodle person. I love noodles. I'm a big noodle person. I love noodles. I'm a big noodle person. I love noodles. So like Thai noodles and all noodles. So like Thai noodles and all noodles. So like Thai noodles and all that. That's my favorite. But I that. That's my favorite. But I that. That's my favorite. But I definitely we're big u my family's big. definitely we're big u my family's big. definitely we're big u my family's big. We always do tinga at the house. So my We always do tinga at the house. So my We always do tinga at the house. So my grandma's like, "Oh my gosh." My grandma's like, "Oh my gosh." My grandma's like, "Oh my gosh." My grandma's a chef of the of the of our grandma's a chef of the of the of our grandma's a chef of the of the of our family and she absolutely loves to cook. family and she absolutely loves to cook. family and she absolutely loves to cook. >> So, we love to eat her food and tinga is >> So, we love to eat her food and tinga is >> So, we love to eat her food and tinga is one of our favorites that she does. So, one of our favorites that she does. So, one of our favorites that she does. So, it's amazing. I I really do enjoy it. it's amazing. I I really do enjoy it. it's amazing. I I really do enjoy it. Good stuff. Good stuff. Good stuff. >> Yes. Yes, we do. Do you do any hobbies >> Yes. Yes, we do. Do you do any hobbies >> Yes. Yes, we do. Do you do any hobbies here in Houston? Is there any fun here in Houston? Is there any fun here in Houston? Is there any fun activities or hobbies that you have? activities or hobbies that you have? activities or hobbies that you have? >> Love to dance. I love uh I'm also a >> Love to dance. I love uh I'm also a >> Love to dance. I love uh I'm also a fourth generation musician. Uh so I uh fourth generation musician. Uh so I uh fourth generation musician. Uh so I uh you know and and going back to activism you know and and going back to activism you know and and going back to activism and artivism, dancing uh all of that is and artivism, dancing uh all of that is and artivism, dancing uh all of that is is also resistance. Um because our is also resistance. Um because our is also resistance. Um because our existence is resistance. So some people, existence is resistance. So some people, existence is resistance. So some people, you know, we we've been asked for you know, we we've been asked for you know, we we've been asked for people, why do you people, why do you people, why do you >> why after a rally um sometimes do you >> why after a rally um sometimes do you >> why after a rally um sometimes do you guys play like music like dancing music guys play like music like dancing music guys play like music like dancing music and stuff like that's supposed to be and stuff like that's supposed to be and stuff like that's supposed to be like hardcore and political? And I'm like hardcore and political? And I'm like hardcore and political? And I'm like even that it's hard for people to like even that it's hard for people to like even that it's hard for people to know or to fathom that that's also an know or to fathom that that's also an know or to fathom that that's also an act of of resistance. like dancing was act of of resistance. like dancing was act of of resistance. like dancing was like if if you haven't looked up the like if if you haven't looked up the like if if you haven't looked up the >> the history of kumbia and the twostep of >> the history of kumbia and the twostep of >> the history of kumbia and the twostep of kumbia uh you're in for a rur awakening kumbia uh you're in for a rur awakening kumbia uh you're in for a rur awakening uh because kumbia was was born from from uh because kumbia was was born from from uh because kumbia was was born from from slavery slavery slavery >> uh and so anyway there's there's so much >> uh and so anyway there's there's so much >> uh and so anyway there's there's so much history there's so much um

history there's so much um history there's so much um >> and people people don't and people don't >> and people people don't and people don't >> and people people don't and people don't like that we do that um and not not not like that we do that um and not not not like that we do that um and not not not just in our community but people outside just in our community but people outside just in our community but people outside looking in they're like oh look at those looking in they're like oh look at those looking in they're like oh look at those people you know dancing but that I people you know dancing but that I people you know dancing but that I That's who we are. That's who we are. That's who we are. >> Part of our culture. It's part of our >> Part of our culture. It's part of our >> Part of our culture. It's part of our culture. It keeps us upbeat. It keeps culture. It keeps us upbeat. It keeps culture. It keeps us upbeat. It keeps us, you know, like going, you know, us, you know, like going, you know, us, you know, like going, you know, there's a lot of there there's a lot of there's a lot of there there's a lot of there's a lot of there there's a lot of songs that are really activist songs, songs that are really activist songs, songs that are really activist songs, you know, and there's a lot of songs you know, and there's a lot of songs you know, and there's a lot of songs that were actually banned because of that were actually banned because of that were actually banned because of activism, you know, and because of what activism, you know, and because of what activism, you know, and because of what they said on songs. So, they said on songs. So, they said on songs. So, >> it's very very crucial to be, you know, >> it's very very crucial to be, you know, >> it's very very crucial to be, you know, have all of the elements of our culture have all of the elements of our culture have all of the elements of our culture in it. And I love that. I love that you in it. And I love that. I love that you in it. And I love that. I love that you have music. I am I am a person that have music. I am I am a person that have music. I am I am a person that would love to be up there. I will shake would love to be up there. I will shake would love to be up there. I will shake a tail feather with you. And there's a tail feather with you. And there's a tail feather with you. And there's some pe there's some people that are some pe there's some people that are some pe there's some people that are that are also triggered by by by that. that are also triggered by by by that. that are also triggered by by by that. There's been instances where we're with There's been instances where we're with There's been instances where we're with people that are very anti-immigrant and people that are very anti-immigrant and people that are very anti-immigrant and and I know that I'm not going to and I know that I'm not going to and I know that I'm not going to convince them. So what do I do? convince them. So what do I do? convince them. So what do I do? >> I welcome them to, you know, Houston >> I welcome them to, you know, Houston >> I welcome them to, you know, Houston Love Radio and then I just play a bunch Love Radio and then I just play a bunch Love Radio and then I just play a bunch of rancheras for them. [laughter] of rancheras for them. [laughter] of rancheras for them. [laughter] >> And then they eventually go away cuz >> And then they eventually go away cuz >> And then they eventually go away cuz they're like hear us. they're like hear us. they're like hear us. >> Yeah. You're going to hear us and if >> Yeah. You're going to hear us and if >> Yeah. You're going to hear us and if you're not going to hear me speak you're not going to hear me speak you're not going to hear me speak because you don't care what you say, because you don't care what you say, because you don't care what you say, you're going to listen to our beautiful you're going to listen to our beautiful you're going to listen to our beautiful music. And a lot of them get annoyed and music. And a lot of them get annoyed and music. And a lot of them get annoyed and they leave. And that's actually they leave. And that's actually they leave. And that's actually >> it's not for them. It's just not for >> it's not for them. It's just not for >> it's not for them. It's just not for them. It's not their crowd. It's not them. It's not their crowd. It's not them. It's not their crowd. It's not their community. And I understand that, their community. And I understand that, their community. And I understand that, you know. Um, we're going to do a quick you know. Um, we're going to do a quick you know. Um, we're going to do a quick little just rapid round uh questions, little just rapid round uh questions, little just rapid round uh questions, you know, just some funner questions.

you know, just some funner questions. you know, just some funner questions. Um, do you uh do you are you a coffee Um, do you uh do you are you a coffee Um, do you uh do you are you a coffee person or a tea person? person or a tea person? person or a tea person? >> Coffee all the way. >> Coffee all the way. >> Coffee all the way. >> Coffee. Love coffee. >> Coffee. Love coffee. >> Coffee. Love coffee. >> 12 shots a day. I have an addiction. >> 12 shots a day. I have an addiction. >> 12 shots a day. I have an addiction. Yes, Yes, Yes, >> we love coffee over here, too. This is >> we love coffee over here, too. This is >> we love coffee over here, too. This is probably like our our fifth cup of the probably like our our fifth cup of the probably like our our fifth cup of the co of the day. co of the day. co of the day. >> I'm already on eight shots today, and I >> I'm already on eight shots today, and I >> I'm already on eight shots today, and I I need I need about another four to keep I need I need about another four to keep I need I need about another four to keep me going. me going. me going. >> To keep it going. I love it. I love it. >> To keep it going. I love it. I love it. >> To keep it going. I love it. I love it. I love it. Um, what would be your like I love it. Um, what would be your like I love it. Um, what would be your like dream vacation? What would be something dream vacation? What would be something dream vacation? What would be something that you haven't experienced yet, but that you haven't experienced yet, but that you haven't experienced yet, but would you love you would love to go? would you love you would love to go? would you love you would love to go? >> Oh, that's a good question. Uh going >> Oh, that's a good question. Uh going >> Oh, that's a good question. Uh going uh uh uh Oh, that's a good question. Probably Oh, that's a good question. Probably Oh, that's a good question. Probably going somewhere like in the middle of going somewhere like in the middle of going somewhere like in the middle of nowhere with no Wi-Fi and no cell phone. nowhere with no Wi-Fi and no cell phone. nowhere with no Wi-Fi and no cell phone. >> Beautiful. Get it. Get out. Get out. Get >> Beautiful. Get it. Get out. Get out. Get >> Beautiful. Get it. Get out. Get out. Get out the cities. out the cities. out the cities. >> I have I have two phones and some I'm >> I have I have two phones and some I'm >> I have I have two phones and some I'm like, "Here, y'all talk to each other like, "Here, y'all talk to each other like, "Here, y'all talk to each other because I can't connect." Yeah. Yeah. because I can't connect." Yeah. Yeah. because I can't connect." Yeah. Yeah. While I'm driving. While I'm driving. While I'm driving. >> Oh my gosh. [laughter] You multitasker. >> Oh my gosh. [laughter] You multitasker. >> Oh my gosh. [laughter] You multitasker. Guys, be safe. Drive safely out here in Guys, be safe. Drive safely out here in Guys, be safe. Drive safely out here in Houston. [laughter] Houston. [laughter] Houston. [laughter] >> I love that. I love that. I love that. >> I love that. I love that. I love that. >> I love that. I love that. I love that. Um, you are, you know, you're so Um, you are, you know, you're so Um, you are, you know, you're so relatable, you know, as as a as a relatable, you know, as as a as a relatable, you know, as as a as a leader, a community leader. You're so leader, a community leader. You're so leader, a community leader. You're so relatable. What's something inspiring relatable. What's something inspiring relatable. What's something inspiring that you could tell the youth, you know, that you could tell the youth, you know, that you could tell the youth, you know, that that has brought you to the leader that that has brought you to the leader that that has brought you to the leader that you are now that you can give that you are now that you can give that you are now that you can give advice to the youth that are are advice to the youth that are are advice to the youth that are are becoming the future leaders?

becoming the future leaders? becoming the future leaders? >> Oh, they're not going to like this. Uh, >> Oh, they're not going to like this. Uh, >> Oh, they're not going to like this. Uh, listen listen your listen to your listen listen your listen to your listen listen your listen to your parents. They know best and you learn parents. They know best and you learn parents. They know best and you learn that at a at a later age. Very true. that at a at a later age. Very true. that at a at a later age. Very true. >> Uh and uh and and um listen and then >> Uh and uh and and um listen and then >> Uh and uh and and um listen and then when they become parents uh try to be when they become parents uh try to be when they become parents uh try to be active parents and how they teach your active parents and how they teach your active parents and how they teach your kids and and and do a lot of deltas. Uh kids and and and do a lot of deltas. Uh kids and and and do a lot of deltas. Uh with my son um I um we talk a lot. We I with my son um I um we talk a lot. We I with my son um I um we talk a lot. We I listen to what he says. I I try to teach listen to what he says. I I try to teach listen to what he says. I I try to teach him to think critically and and um and I him to think critically and and um and I him to think critically and and um and I I do a lot of things that I wish my I do a lot of things that I wish my I do a lot of things that I wish my parents would have done with me. So, and parents would have done with me. So, and parents would have done with me. So, and the hope is that he he he internalizes the hope is that he he he internalizes the hope is that he he he internalizes that and that he does things with his that and that he does things with his that and that he does things with his kids um if he chooses to have them that kids um if he chooses to have them that kids um if he chooses to have them that uh that that ended with him. So, uh that that ended with him. So, uh that that ended with him. So, >> it's always an improvement. >> it's always an improvement. >> it's always an improvement. >> Yes, that is so beautiful. It's so >> Yes, that is so beautiful. It's so >> Yes, that is so beautiful. It's so beautiful to always, you know, give back beautiful to always, you know, give back beautiful to always, you know, give back to your community, especially your youth to your community, especially your youth to your community, especially your youth and and and everybody else, your family, and and and everybody else, your family, and and and everybody else, your family, friends. That's the most important friends. That's the most important friends. That's the most important people that you can impact is your people that you can impact is your people that you can impact is your family and friends, you know, that's the family and friends, you know, that's the family and friends, you know, that's the closest to you.

closest to you. closest to you. >> But we're so grateful. We're so grateful >> But we're so grateful. We're so grateful >> But we're so grateful. We're so grateful that you were here. you do such a great that you were here. you do such a great that you were here. you do such a great impact to the whole community, all of impact to the whole community, all of impact to the whole community, all of Houston. You're known nationally, so you Houston. You're known nationally, so you Houston. You're known nationally, so you you you do amazing. Keep please keep you you do amazing. Keep please keep you you do amazing. Keep please keep doing the great job that you do. And doing the great job that you do. And doing the great job that you do. And thank you so much for being at the YesJ thank you so much for being at the YesJ thank you so much for being at the YesJ show. Thank you. show. Thank you. show. Thank you. >> Thank you so much for having us. And I >> Thank you so much for having us. And I >> Thank you so much for having us. And I encourage people to uh to share this and encourage people to uh to share this and encourage people to uh to share this and to make sure that they become active in to make sure that they become active in to make sure that they become active in their communities. their communities. their communities. >> Beautiful. Thank you so much. Thank you >> Beautiful. Thank you so much. Thank you >> Beautiful. Thank you so much. Thank you guys. Thank you for tuning in. We guys. Thank you for tuning in. We guys. Thank you for tuning in. We appreciate it. Bye. [laughter]