Honking for Housing: Local Activists to Demand Cancellation of Rent, Mortgage Debt
May 29, 2020 - Downtown San Antonio
Ain’t nothin’ goin’ on but the rent. On May 30, several organizations will participate in a protest to demand the cancellation of rent and mortgage debt. Photo: San Antonio Leftist and Socialist Alliance.
By Jade Esteban Estrada - Staff Writer, San Antonio Sentinel
On Saturday, several organizations will participate in the National Day of Car Protests to demand the cancellation of rent, mortgages, and all debts to landlords for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic. Demonstrators will gather at 2:15 p.m. Saturday, May 30 in the parking lot of the San Antonio Housing Authority located at 818 South Flores Street. The caravan is scheduled to begin at 3 p.m.
According to a statement from the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, thousands of people are expected to protest during similar events across the country. Demonstrators will adhere to social distancing guidelines and and are urged to wear a face covering when they are outside their vehicle.
Because of the economic downturn caused by previously mandated stay-at-home orders, it is likely that a large percentage of renters will be unable to pay their rent on the first of June despite the state moratorium on evictions that many protesters feel do not address long-term solutions.
“No one should lose their housing for any reason in this crisis,” stated the Esperanza media release. “A short-term suspension of eviction is not enough to save people’s homes and the meager rescue stimulus payments the government provided are long gone for most people. Even if there is another one, it will be needed for food, healthcare and other necessities.”
The coalition of supporting organizations for the caravan protest are the Party for Socialism and Liberation Texas, the Poor People’s Campaign, Tenants Union of San Antonio, SA Stands, Autonomous Brown Berets de San Anto, Workers World Party, Bexar County Green Party, San Antonio Leftist and Socialist Alliance, About Face Veterans Against the War South Texas, San Antonio Tenants Union, the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center and RAICES.
The Cancel the Rents caravan will begin at 2:15 p.m. at which time demonstrators will be asked to attach signs and banners to their vehicles.
To ensure that their messaging will have an impact, participants are urged to abide by Covid-19-safe practices and procedures at all times during the event, which includes “controlled honking,” according to organizer Rachell Tucker, who is a member of the San Antonio Leftist and Socialist Alliance.
After a 2:30 p.m. press conference, vehicles will be lined up for the demonstration according to teams. The caravan itself will take place from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Further information can be found their Facebook event page.
Organizers are encouraging individuals to attend a second rally at 5 p.m. at Travis Park, where Autonomous Brown Berets of San Anto have spearheaded a Justice for George Floyd demonstration. Information for this event can be found here.
Jade Esteban Estrada is a staff writer at the San Antonio Sentinel, where he covers public health and other citywide issues. He can be reached at jade@sasentinel.com.