Georgetown to Austin March for Democracy
Texas State Capital Grounds, Austin, TX
July 31, 2021
Article and Photography by Jim Chapin
Country music legend Willie Nelson wrapped up a four-day march in support of Democratic state legislators who left the state for Washington two weeks ago in an attempt to block GOP-backed voting restrictions.
Led by former U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke and national civil rights leader Rev. William J. Barber II, the rally marked the culmination of a Selma-style march to the Texas State Capitol in Austin — a 27-mile trek that began in neighboring Georgetown. It was organized by the Poor People’s Campaign, a group inspired by Martin Luther King, Jr.
As demonstrators finished the final leg of their march, they greeted a crowd in front of the Capitol holding signs that read: “Fully Restore the 1965 Voting Rights Act,” “End the Filibuster,” and “We Care, We Vote.” They sang along with the performers on the stage and heard from a diverse collection of community leaders and concerned citizens. In addition to O’Rourke, Julián Castro, the former San Antonio mayor and U.S. secretary of housing and urban development,.and Luci Baines Johnson, businesswoman, philanthropist, and youngest daughter of former United States President Lyndon “LBJ” Johnson, also participated.
The marchers presented a wide range of demands, including immigration reform, a $15 minimum wage, and of course, new voting restrictions that have been proposed or passed in GOP-led states.
The rally closed with a short, three-song performance by Willie Nelson, who ended his set ended with “Vote ‘Em Out,” singing, “If you don’t like who’s in there, vote ‘em out; that’s what Election Day is all about.”
PHOTO GALLERY
Willie’s Set List: Whiskey River, Good Hearted Woman, Vote’em Out