#NNPA BlackPress

Op-Ed: Five Years Later, We Still Can’t Breathe

Five years after George Floyd’s murder, Texas Rep. Ron Reynolds reflects on the progress made—and the promises left behind. From local action to stalled reform efforts, he calls for renewed commitment to justice beyond slogans. “We’re still moving, side by side, doing the hard work to get closer to justice.”

Published

1 year ago

May 26, 2025

Oakland Post

By Rep. Ron Reynolds

BLACKPRESSUSA NEWSWIRE – Five years ago, the world watched in horror as George Floyd pleaded for his life under the knees of a Minneapolis police officer. His final words—“I can’t breathe”—became a rallying cry for justice, igniting a global movement against systemic racism and police brutality. The streets of America, including right here in Texas, were filled with voices demanding change, accountability, and reform.

Following this national reckoning, I joined forces with my colleagues in the Texas Legislative Black Caucus to introduce the George Floyd Act, a bold and comprehensive attempt to reform policing in our state. We sought to ban chokeholds, end arrests for non-jailable offenses, require officers to intervene when excessive force is used, and finally confront the abuse of qualified immunity. These weren’t simply bullet points on a page. These were demands from the people—George Floyd’s voice echoing through us, and we answered.

And right here in Houston, the late, great Mayor Sylvester Turner led with integrity, vision, and heart. At George Floyd’s funeral, he didn’t just offer condolences—he delivered action. He signed an executive order banning chokeholds and implemented new reforms to make policing more transparent and humane. Mayor Turner believed in walking the walk. His leadership during that turbulent time brought a sense of hope to our communities—and for that, we’re grateful.

However, after five years, we must admit that some of that hope has faded. Resistance, rollbacks, and political gamesmanship have met the progress we fought for. In states across the country, including our own, DEI initiatives are under attack, and efforts to shield police misconduct are creeping back into policy discussions. While we’ve made strides, it’s frustrating—and heartbreaking—to see how quickly the urgency has faded. When the cameras turned off and the headlines moved on, too many leaders fell silent.

Every time I step into a committee room or cast a vote, I’m thinking about George Floyd

As the state representative for Fort Bend County’s District 27, I haven’t gone quiet. Every time I step into a committee room or cast a vote, I’m thinking about George Floyd—and what my community expects me to fight for. Fort Bend is one of the most diverse counties in the US, and we’re not sitting around waiting for Washington or Austin to fix things. We’re building coalitions, backing community-led safety efforts, and making sure our local policies reflect the values we say we stand for: justice, equity, and accountability.

I’ve visited classrooms where students ask whether they could experience what happened to George Floyd. That’s the reality we’re still living with. That’s why I continue to push for bills that protect civil rights, reform the criminal justice system, and demand transparency from law enforcement. That’s why I won’t stop speaking up for those who can’t.

We’ve got to bring back the urgency we felt in 2020—not just through social media or rallies, but by turning that energy into real policy and meaningful change. This campaign isn’t just about George Floyd. It’s about every Black and Brown person who fears a traffic stop might be their last. It’s about making sure our kids grow up in a country where justice isn’t something you have to earn—it’s something you can count on.

So, on this fifth anniversary, let’s not just remember. Let’s recommit. Let’s honor George Floyd not with silence but with action. We may be bruised, but we’re still here. We’re still moving, side by side, doing the hard work to get closer to justice.

Rep. Ron Reynolds
Texas House of Representatives, District 27
Proudly serving Fort Bend County and the fight for justice everywhere

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of BlackPressUSA.com or the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

Up Next

Trump’s Personal Fortune Surges as Critics Point to Historic Monetization of Presidency

Don't Miss

‘We’re Not Going Back’ Black Churches Confront Target

Oakland Post

Click to comment

#NNPA BlackPress

Youth-Led Black August Event Brings Past to Present at East Oakland Boxing Association

The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.”
The post The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.” appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

By Jana Lang Propel Youth Reporter

Youth-Led Black August Event Brings Past to Present at East Oakland Boxing Association

The East Oakland Boxing Association (EOBA) and Youth Alive! came together on Aug. 21 to share with their community all that Black August means to them.

Held on EOBA’s patio at 816 98th Ave. in Deep East Oakland, the two organizations hosted their second annual Black August Experience, featuring a food tasting, financial literacy and mindfulness workshops, and voter registration with the League of Women Voters Oakland (LWV).

Black August is known as a time to uphold the legacy of prisoners who protested their conditions by fasting, fighting, and educating themselves on the economic and political circumstances that contributed to their incarceration.

According to its website, “EOBA is a multi-service youth and community development hub that goes far beyond the ring. While rooted in the discipline of boxing, for nearly 40 years EOBA has also integrated robust programs in workforce development, food justice, afterschool enrichment, financial literacy, mentorship, and wellness.”.

The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.”

Through Coro California, another leadership organization serving young people across the state for 80 years, they gained a broader understanding of Black August.

EOBA Executive Director Dawna Williams spoke about how much she learned about Black August from the youth who created it. “I let them educate me,” she said. Instead of talking about prison reform and mass incarceration, Williams and youth interns found that Black August meant so much more. “We would have done a disservice if we had just focused on who the people were and what their situation was…We tried to take their message from back in the day and make it relevant to the young people today. What do they need to know?”

Youth interns created and placed posters around the patio to help participants understand how traditional Black foodways, civic engagement, financial literacy, and the power of education are relevant to Black resistance today.

An EOBA member described Black August with Youth ALIVE! as “a whole vibe. “This year we added the Fun Zone for the kids, because you really cannot go wrong with a Fun Zone. I also loved seeing everyone chillin’ in the outdoor lounge, catching some Vitamin D and just enjoying a Friday evening together.”

The food tasting, a popular event from last year, featured traditional Black foods such as black-eyed peas, johnny cakes, and fried chicken. Led by Williams, the tasting included a talk about how these traditional foods were made and why they are forms of Black resilience.

The “‘Plate of History’ was a favorite of the online writers. “Fun, educational, and did I mention delicious? Our Taste of History cook, Angela Southall, served up some good eats while connecting food to history and culture.”

The writer also commended the “League of Women Voters Oakland for their civic leadership and for getting our young people informed, ready, and registered to vote.”

Overall, it was a “good Friday event in East Oakland,” the writer said.

Upcoming Black August events: Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS), will host “Black August: The Arc of Liberation” at Oakland City Hall on Sat. Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The websites for East Oakland Boxing Association, Youth Alive! and CORO are sources for this report.

Jana Lang is an Oakland resident, teacher, gardener and poet participating in the Propel News Initiative.

The post The mission of Youth Alive! Is to “break the cycle of violence, heal trauma, and uplift a thriving community of leaders, to save lives in Oakland and beyond” by serving “as mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists and violence interrupters,” working “to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community.” appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts

Is your home EV charging setup ready? Dealerships may not warn you about critical outlet and circuit needs. Find out before you plug in!
The post EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

Dealerships won’t tell you: charging this big battery at home isn’t always simple. Verify your outlet capacity, circuit, and setup before assuming level one or basic outdoor outlets will suffice.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/A9Cd2SspoaQ

#AutoNetwork

The post EV Home Charging Warning: What Dealerships Won’t Tell You! #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Oakland Post

Posts by Oakland Post

#NNPA BlackPress

Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts

Don’t get tricked at the dealership! Learn essential car buying secrets to secure the best deal and avoid hidden traps.
The post Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.

Published

1 week ago

August 29, 2026

Oakland Post

Before stepping into a dealership, secure bank pre-approval for your financing rate. Then, get the out-the-door price in writing. Never discuss monthly payments until that number is fixed. Test road noise and rear visibility yourself. Decline add-ons with a simple ‘Not today’. Check backseat space with your tallest household member.

Watch the full video: https://youtu.be/maAOBjO1puY

#AutoNetwork

The post Car Buying Secrets: Dealership Traps & How to Avoid Them #shorts appeared first on BlackPressUSA.