It was an epic night for the final stop of the Clay and Reecie Live: Beyond the Mic tour in Houston, Texas, at the Community Collective venue. The sold-out event, attended by over 650 guests, featured lively political discussions, a hilarious Black Trivia Quiz game, and unique relationship advice in a segment called “Am I Trippin’.” The evening was highlighted by a surprise appearance from Texas Rep. Colin Allred, who is running for Senate against Republican Senator Ted Cruz, alongside legendary South Carolina Congressman James Clyburn.

Clyburn took the stage first, electrifying the audience with his support for Allred. “We have a duty and responsibility to move this agenda forward,” Clyburn said, his voice steady and impassioned. He called Allred “one of the most magnificent people I have ever known,” underscoring his belief in Allred’s ability to bring change to Texas and the U.S. Senate.

Allred, a third-term congressman from Dallas, took the stage to thunderous applause, building on Clyburn’s call to action. “Make a plan to vote, make sure you get your friends to vote. When we fight, we win!” Allred urged the crowd to turn out and make their voices heard.

Clay Cane reflected on the weight of the upcoming election. “I think about Juneteenth, I think about James Byrd Jr., I think about Botham Jean, I think about Sandra Bland, and I know in their names we can make history,” Cane said passionately. “We have the power, and we can capitalize on our power.”  If Allred wins, he will make history as the first Black man to represent Texas in the U.S. Senate. 

Reecie Colbert also stressed the importance of Allred making an appearance at their Beyond the Mic event, "Some Democrats tend to look at speaking to Black voters as preaching to the choir, but they forget that the choir sings. It speaks volumes that Congressman Allred recognizes the power of the choir and how important we are in activating our communities and spreading the message!"

Allred wants to unseat Republican Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who has held the position since 2012. Recently, Allred faced Cruz in a televised debate on October 15, where he made his case for why Texas needs new leadership. The timing of Allred and Clyburn’s appearance at Clay and Reecie Live: Beyond the Mic was critical, as early voting begins today in Texas (October 21). In a huge blow to Cruz, Allred was endorsed by The Dallas Morning News. In a front-page editorial, the state’s top newspaper by daily circulation voiced its support for Allred while delivering a harsh critique of Cruz, saying he has “long embraced the politics of division” and, on crucial national issues, “digs in the most partisan mode possible, making no room for common ground.”