Six Dallas City Council candidates were endorsed by controversial Black Lives Matter activist Dominique Alexander and his organization. A virtual birthday party he held back in February reveals he has the support of the city’s Black Police Association and a U.S. congresswoman.

Alexander, who founded and runs the Next Generation Action Network (NGAN), is a BLM activist and “defund the police” advocate who has a history in Dallas city hall politics. He also helped campaign for Democrat Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot, who later refused to prosecute those arrested last summer for blocking the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge during BLM protests.

Alexander and his allies pushed the city council to “divest” from the Dallas police, wanting to raid taxpayer dollars to increase funding to other government welfare programs. Later, Alexander publicly praised Dallas Councilmember Adam Bazaldua’s successful effort to cut $7 million from police overtime last year.

On February 16, Alexander held a Zoom meeting to celebrate his birthday and endorse city council candidates.

Among those participating in the meeting were former McKinney City Councilman La’Shadion Shemwell, Dallas School District Board Member Maxie Johnson, and Changa Higgins, who has led the Dallas Community Police Oversight Coalition (DCPOC).

Both the NGAN and DCPOC helped organize last summer’s protests-turned-riots in Dallas. Alexander was involved in the hiring process of former Police Chief Renee Hall, and both NGAN and DCPOC were invited by City Manager T.C. Broadnax (who reports to the city council and Mayor Eric Johnson) to participate in the interview process that resulted in the hiring of current police Chief Eddie Garcia.

During the Zoom meeting, Alexander asked his supporters to back four candidates for city council in the May 1 election.

“We’re going into an important season, right, for NGAN, and as we grow nationally … but also to be able to elect a new city council,” Alexander told his supporters. “I need y’all’s help in the next couple of months to be able to elect some of these local voices we have here: Changa [Higgins], Maxie [Johnson].”

Higgins is running in District 7, where Bazaldua is the incumbent, and Johnson is challenging District 4 incumbent Councilmember Carolyn King Arnold, who also voted for the police overtime cut.

Last June, Alexander had threatened to protest at Arnold’s home. “I’m not playing with her at all.”

Alexander also expressed support for Lelani Russell, running in District 4, and Jennifer Cortez in District 2.

NGAN has endorsed Hosanna Yemiru in District 11 and incumbent District 5 Councilmember Jaime Resendez, who also voted for the overtime cut.

Dallas police officer Terrence Hopkins, who is president of the Black Police Association of Dallas, participated in Alexander’s birthday meeting as well.

“Happy birthday, brother,” Hopkins told Alexander. “I work with Dominique a lot behind the scenes.”

Missouri Democrat Congresswoman Cori Bush also participated in the virtual meeting.

“Great work y’all are doing over there in Dallas,” she said. “[St. Louis] supports; we’re in solidarity.”

Alexander’s NGAN protested in Dallas last week and created disturbances on private property. One of the protestors, wearing an NGAN shirt, was shown to be armed. Others wearing NGAN shirts were recorded chanting “If we don’t get it, burn it down!” and “Who burn —- down? We burn —- down!”

With jurors preparing to render a decision in the trial of former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin—the officer caught on camera last year restraining George Floyd, who died later that day—Texas Scorecard has asked local officials and law enforcement about law and order being maintained once the verdict is announced.

“The Dallas Police Department is committed to providing a safe environment for individuals desiring to exercise their First Amendment right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech,” Sergeant Warren Mitchell replied. When riots break out, Mitchell said the department “will take whatever actions deemed appropriate.”

Yesterday, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia announced “there will be no approval of exceptional leave for sworn members of the department until further notice,” but “pre-approved leave” would “be granted and honored.” Sworn officers on duty are “required to have their uniform and equipment ready and available.”

Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot and Sheriff Marian Brown remain silent.

Early voting for the May 1 local elections in North Texas runs April 19-27.

Robert Montoya

Born in Houston, Robert Montoya is an investigative reporter for Texas Scorecard. He believes transparency is the obligation of government.

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