Grassroots Groups Travel by Busload to Protest at State Capitol

On a day of prominent action, over 20 grassroots organizations gathered in force at the state Capitol, taking their much-needed message to the heart of Tennessee’s legislative hub. Swarming from all parts of Memphis, they journeyed by busload just to make themselves heard.

Fighting Controversial Bills and Laws Affecting Tennesseans

The assembly, originating from the First Congregational Church, had one goal in mind – to protest the new series of bills and laws that they believe directly and negatively affect the lives of many in Tennessee, especially those from Memphis.

Among the controversial legislations that sparked the outrage of these organizations, one stands out prominently – the proposed bill related to arming teachers in classrooms. This particular issue is on the brink of being escalated to Gov. Bill Lee’s desk, stirring widespread alarm among the masses.

The Imminent Fear – Arming Teachers

Memphis For All’s Political Director Tikeila Rucker voices her concern over the contentious bill, stating, “Teachers are a pill and a bottle away from their sanity. So you put guns in the hands of teachers in a room full of children that are unruly, and disrespectful, it’s no telling what can happen. Like, it’s as if they’re setting us up for mass destruction; they’re setting us up to go against each other. This is not okay.”

Addressing Other Pertinent Issues

Not limited to one particular issue, the protest speakers delved into a wide array of topics troubling the citizens of Tennessee. These ranged from championing fully-funded public schools over vouchers, to insisting on the full funding of Tennessee State University, and also touched upon the pressing matter of reproductive freedom for women.

Making Memphis Heard

Given the city’s historic struggles at the state capital, the onus fell on Antoine Dandridge of Planned Parenthood to speak for Memphis. “We are impacted so much about what’s happening with these bills that are happening–so many Memphians are upset and don’t know what to do. In this movement today we are hoping that all Memphians who are watching this realize that we have to make more trips to Nashville. We’ve got to stay on top of these people making decisions, because we are not just this little city on the bluff, we’re a major part of this state,” he said.

The message came loud and clear – the voices of Memphis residents cannot and will not be ignored. Their concerns, worries, and struggles have a place at the forefront of Tennessee’s legislative agenda, and their dedicated journey to Nashville speaks volumes about the lengths they will go to ensure that their voices are heard.