One year ago today, state Senator Wendy Davis stood for 13 hours to filibuster Senate Bill 5, a draconian anti-choice bill. Tension and momentum built throughout the day, and then she was half-way there!
blueisland and I were still blogging away, but my laptop was giving me lots of trouble. Finally, OllieGarkey posted a diary summarizing the rest of the story: I am in awe of Texas tonight. Updated W/ Video (WE WON.)
I have to agree that Texas Democrats were indeed awe-inspiring on that particular day.
Today, the Wendy Davis for Governor campaign released a Filibuster Anniversary video that captures many highlights from that day and subsequent events:
State Senator Leticia Van de Putte's pointed inquiry at 11:48pm perfectly captured the degree to which Texas Republicans had been attempting to silence Texas women:
That line launched the gallery filibuster that ultimately prevented the Texas GOP from being able to pass the bill with the aid of their cheating. And now
Leticia Van de Putte is running for Lieutenant Governor.
Memories of that day continue to energize and sustain Texas Democrats, and so we're pausing this evening to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the filibuster. The last I heard, more than 180 grassroots parties had been scheduled, so if you're in or near Texas, you should be able to find a party near you.
In addition, the Texas Tribune will livestream the speeches from tonight's party in Austin. Between 7:00-7:30pm CDT, Van de Putte and Cecile Richards, daughter of Ann Richards and president of Planned Parenthood, are scheduled to speak. Then Wendy Davis is scheduled to speak at 7:30pm CDT.
Livestream
Hope y'all will join us in celebrating today's anniversary!