North Texas Political Conference at Fort Worth Botanical Gardens Draws Protesters, Some Armed

More than 50 people lined up at the entrance to the Fort Worth Botanical Gardens on Saturday morning to protest the True Texas Project Conference and 15th Anniversary Party.

As cars arrived, protesters chanted “No TTP, No KKK” and “Fascists get out,” while Fort Worth police officers and Garden security staff stood on the grass in front of the protesters, directing Garden visitors about where to park.

David Michael Smith, a former political science professor and member of the Houston United Front Against Fascism, came to Fort Worth on Friday to protest the event. He was among at least five armed peaceful protesters.

“They are openly embracing the blatantly racist rhetoric about our war on white people,” Smith said. “News flash: there is no war against white people. These are white supremacists who are mortally afraid of losing their privileged place in our society.”

The True Texas Project conference agenda included events such as “Multiculturalism and the War on White America,” “Invaded America: What Now?” and “Grand Replacement Theory”.

“We are very pleased that the people of Fort Worth and elsewhere have come together to say, ‘We oppose this, it does not represent us or our state, and we want to put an end to it.’” Smith said.

By noon, the crowd numbered less than 10 people.

One of the final 10 people was Rhoda Keprta of Arlington.

Keprta said he spent Saturday morning protesting the event because he wanted to use his right to freedom of expression and speak out against the conference taking place.

“We are protesting against white supremacy that would install a white ethno-state and arrest everyone,” Keprta said.

When the True Texas Project released its agenda for its 15th anniversary celebration and conference, a Texas Tribune story published the agenda. After the story was published, several prominent guests withdrew from the conference and the Garden said it would not host the event. But the city told the Garden that should host the event because of freedom of expression.

The Star-Telegram purchased tickets to attend and cover the event. True Texas Project CEO and founder Julie McCarty emailed days later to revoke the tickets and issue a refund.

“We value your interest in our events and look forward to welcoming you to future meetings where media presence is permitted,” the email said.

The True Texas Project, based in Grapevine, began in 2009 as the NE Tarrant Tea Party. In 2021, True Texas Project was ranked by Southern Poverty Law Center is an extremist group.