In photograph after photograph, Sylvia Collins raised a single fist to the sky.
Collins, a Dallas County Democratic precinct chair, protested, organized and fought for issues she cared about: women’s and civil rights, immigration, environmental justice, her friends say. With a raised fist, she showed solidarity to those she walked beside.
Collins, who was in her 70s, was killed in the Oak Cliff apartment fire, prompting a flood of tributes by friends and elected leaders.
“She brought passion, kindness, and unwavering commitment to everything she did, always working to uplift others and strengthen the causes she believed in,” U.S. Rep. Julie Johnson wrote on Facebook.
A woman and 18-month old child were also killed in the blast. Authorities have not yet released their names. Five people were injured.
Collins worked as an activist for decades, developing a reputation as a tireless volunteer, Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Kardal Coleman said.
It was not unusual for Collins to grab a mop or broom before an event or pick up after a party, he said. She worked long hours to register voters and volunteer for campaigns.
“She is one of the most dedicated people you will ever meet and kindest souls you will ever encounter,” Coleman said. “Anytime there was an opportunity to advocate for people and humanity, Sylvia Collins was on the frontline. It was her life’s work.”
Justin Boyd, a Harris County Democratic Party precinct chair, got to know Collins when they rode a bus from Dallas to Austin to attend the swearing-in ceremony for Texas Rep. Jessica Gonzalez in 2019.
Collins served as a party elder who refused to give up, Boyd said, even as Texas shifted further right in recent years.
“She understood that voting is important and powerful and meaningful,” he said, “and she did the work that needed to be done to ensure people had that right.”
When he heard about the fire Thursday, Boyd said he immediately thought, “Not my Sylvia.”
The Dallas Morning News reached out to Collins’ family but did not receive a response.
The Oak Cliff community will gather at 7:30 p.m. Friday at Adamson High School for a prayer vigil. All are invited.