In elections prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, musicians sometimes used their concerts to register voters or encourage people to vote. Instead, artists and activists against a border wall will try to continue doing that through a virtual concert on Friday, Oct. 23.
The “Rock the Border, Stop The Wall” concert will feature many Texas musicians, including Austin’s Black Pumas, Grupo Fantasma and El Paso’s Radio La Chusma.
Artists from other border states such as Arizona’s Trans-Border Orchestra and La Santa Cecilia of California, are also on lineup. The acts Making Movies of Missouri and Anais Mitchell from New York will also join.
The No Border Wall Coalition in Laredo is collaborating with other border activists to stream the event on Friday at 5 p.m. It’s one of the coalition’s efforts to inform voters about the impact of the election for communities facing border wall construction under President Trump’s administration.
“The goal for us is getting out the vote, uplifting a positive vision of what the border is and what we’re building toward and reminding people that this doesn’t end November 3rd,” said Raquel de Anda of the coalition. “November 3rd is a stepping stone towards a much larger goal of really unifying our efforts across the border, organizing and acting together to protect our future.”
During the concert, they will promote online election centers from the groups MOVE Texas and Voto Latino to help viewers find their nearest polling station.
“We know there are so many young Latinos who are registered, eligible to vote this year, so our efforts really rest on using the power of art and culture to inform people to make sure they have a plan and figure out how they are going to get to the polls,” de Anda said.
To register for the concert and see the full lineup, visit rocktheborderstopthewall.com.
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