{"id":1505,"date":"2024-11-08T21:13:08","date_gmt":"2024-11-08T21:13:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/stand.org\/tennessee\/?p=1505"},"modified":"2026-06-10T22:57:30","modified_gmt":"2026-06-10T22:57:30","slug":"taking-a-breath-and-post-election-reflections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/stand.org\/tennessee\/blog\/taking-a-breath-and-post-election-reflections\/","title":{"rendered":"Taking a Breath: Memphis Post-Election Reflection"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

As we come out of this challenging election, we must take care of ourselves, our families, our communities, and each other.\u00a0In this Memphis post-election reflection, we look at our wins, share upcoming events for rest, and debrief the intensity of this election season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why before we even knew what the results might be, we joined with partners to create the Post-Election Restoration Station<\/strong><\/a> for November 6th.  People of all ages and backgrounds came together to support one another and process what we\u2019ve 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After we\u2019ve breathed and relaxed, we reflect. We reflect on where we\u2019ve been, where we are, and where we have to go. We don\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hope isn’t just an emotion \u2013 it’s an action. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even though the election results revealed the challenges we know all too well, we\u2019re 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAll politics is local,\u201d never rang more true! <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If we can\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n