The following is a statement by Michelle Tremillo, executive director of the Texas Organizing Project, on Tarsha Jackson’s departure from the organization:
“It is with equal amounts of sadness and joy that we announce that Tarsha Jackson has left TOP to run for City Council District B.
“For more than six years, Tarsha has been an integral part of TOP’s success. Under her leadership, we have won many tangible policies and fights that have improved the lives of Black and Latino families across Texas including bail reform and community benefits from tax deals.
“Tarsha has also had a profound effect within TOP. It’s because of her vision that we now have a Right2Justice campaign in each of our three counties (Harris, Dallas and Bexar). And it is because of her that we now have deeply talented, capable and directly-impacted organizers to continue the work of the Right2Justice campaign of ending mass incarceration.
“Beyond policy, Tarsha also has had a deep impact on the lives of TOP members and staff. If anyone of us needed help navigating the bureaucracy of the legal system, Tarsha was the first person we would call. We could always count on Tarsha getting things done.
“Tarsha will always have a place here, and we look forward to many, many years of us fighting together to make Texas a state that respects the dignity and humanity of all Texans and gives all families the chance to thrive.
“We wish Tarsha well in her next endeavor. We know she will continue to bring the same level of passion and commitment that she did to her work at TOP, and that she’ll do well.”
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Texas Organizing Project organizes Black and Latino communities in Dallas, Harris and Bexar counties with the goal of transforming Texas into a state where working people of color have the power and representation they deserve. For more information, visit organizetexas.org.