As we come out of this challenging election, we must take care of ourselves, our families, our communities, and each other.
That’s why before we even knew what the results might be, we joined with partners to create the Post-Election Restoration Station for November 6th. People of all ages and backgrounds came together to support one another and process what we’ve all been through with this election. It was a powerful reminder that rest, relaxation, and care are necessary for us to continue the ongoing work of bending the moral arc of the universe towards justice.
After we’ve breathed and relaxed, we reflect. We reflect on where we’ve been, where we are, and where we have to go. We don’t know for sure what the Trump presidency will bring, but the likelihood that it will harm or endanger people and communities we care about is high. Let the anger, fear, anxiety swell, and then take action with the spirit of our history that shows the resiliency of our democracy and Black and Brown communities.
Hope isn’t just an emotion – it’s an action.
Even though the election results revealed the challenges we know all too well, we’re also reminded of the strength of our people, the power of our movement towards justice, and our unwavering commitment to progress and beloved community. We are more resolved than ever to keep moving forward towards the brighter future we know is possible.
Far from weakening our resolve, this election has sharpened our focus on the critical importance of local action. Now, more than ever, we must be clear, bold, and hold our elected officials and leaders accountable.
“All politics is local,” never rang more true!
If we can’t be sure whether the state or federal government will care for, support, and develop our people and communities, we have to push our local leaders to follow bold agendas supported by moral budgets. We must plan, strategize, organize, advocate, collaborate, engage, support, and hold accountable.
For Memphis, we saw what’s possible when strong leadership provides voters the opportunity to express their will for government. With the referendums on the ballot, we asked Memphis to Vote Yes For Safety and Democracy, and we won:
- Memphis gave overwhelming support for all three gun safety referendums, sending a resounding message about what our community needs to feel safe. A majority of the City Council stood strong against threats from state legislators to express the will of the people of Memphis and set a model that we hope other TN cities will follow. While not binding, it’s a crack in the dam of the gun lobby and NRA that exercises dangerous power over the State Legislature holding back sensible, meaningful gun laws.
- We made sure that future mayoral candidates must earn a majority of the vote and will be required to have lived in Memphis for at least two years. We further strengthened our local democracy by bringing more transparency and public accountability to the City Council’s salary-setting process.
“Social movements have the ability to see beyond today’s horizon, and have to have the stamina to work for social change. With social movements, everything is possible; without them, nothing is possible.” — Angela Davis
This is our call to action. The challenges ahead are significant, but they only strengthen our determination to change the narrative on safety and justice, pass a Moral Budget that invests in Memphis’ & Shelby County’s people and communities, and ensure our children are set up to not only succeed in school, but to thrive beyond those four walls.
The future we envision – one that’s brighter and more just for our children, ourselves, and each other – is possible. But it requires all of us to stay engaged, support one another, and join in the vital work that must be expanded and connected in our communities.
There is power in the people – and that power continues to grow right here, with each of us, working together. Let’s continue to be the light so we can navigate the times ahead.
Take a breath with us – breathe in…breathe out…breathe in…breathe out…
Now, do something!
In solidarity and active hope,
Cardell, Aerris, Sharmeen, and Makenzie
