The 13th Amendment of the United States Constitution did not abolish slavery.
It instead created an exception that expanded the scope of slavery to reach beyond racial lines and has allowed the enslavement of millions as a form of punitive justice; from the first days of convict leasing through today’s use of forced labor in jails, prisons, and detention centers.
In addition to furthering the incarceration of the people of this state and nation, it fueled the unfettered growth of the prison industry as we commoditized violence, and cages of bodies replaced barrels of oil in our great economic engine. We must address our inhumane legacy now.
The evil of slavery is absolute. The abolition of slavery must be absolute as well. Thus, our goal is simple.
We seek the abolition of all slavery and involuntary servitude, without exception, beginning with Texas.