Nearly 200 activists gathered at the Tennessee State Capitol to participate in a “Jericho march” in opposition to various bills before the legislature. The march, organized by The Equity Alliance and attended by over 15 groups, featured signs denouncing issues such as gun violence, abortion restrictions, lack of voter support, and more. Speakers addressed the importance of accessible healthcare and criticized the state’s political climate, with one protester sharing her personal story of being denied a life-saving abortion.
Elected officials, including Reps. Gloria Johnson, Justin Pearson, and Torrey Harris, were also present at the event, voicing their concerns about legislation that they believe makes Tennessee less safe and urging policymakers to listen to the people’s voices.
The demonstration ended with activists placing blue tape on their arms and over their mouths in support of Tennessee State University, while calling for a shift towards prioritizing people over party politics. The event’s cancellation of a House floor session was seen as a victory by participants, who celebrated the power of collective action in influencing political decisions.
The march highlighted a growing momentum among grassroots organizations in the state pushing for change and holding lawmakers accountable for their decisions. The event exemplified the importance of civic engagement and activism in shaping the future of Tennessee.
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Photo credit www.tennessean.com