Group laments harmful bills passed during legislative session
A coalition of advocacy groups joined a rally at the Tennessee Capitol hosted by The Equity Alliance. The groups highlighted injustices from the nearly-concluded legislative session.
Dr. Katrina Green, Emergency Room Physician in Nashville, said, "I'm tired of telling legislators about the people I see in my emergency department, about the people I watched die from COVID because they refused to get a vaccine, about the people we couldn’t save who died from gun violence in the community, about the people who can’t access treatment for substance abuse and then overdose, about the pregnant people who, even here in Nashville, are coming to the ER in labor without ever having any prenatal care, and about the doctors I know who’ve left the state because they didn’t feel they could provide good healthcare here in Tennessee."
Other event speakers also expressed frustration with the legislature.
Juana Lizbeth Chavez Hernandez, TIRRC Votes member declared, "But let me tell you, their version of the American Dream is dead. We are here to rewrite that dream into one of unity and resilience. Immigrant communities are defined by strength, determination, and survival. Despite their relentless attacks and attempts to dehumanize us, we stand united. We stand for each other, for every community. Together, we are a force to be reckoned with. Together, we demand change. Together, we embody the diverse tapestry of generations, cultures, and communities that will hold them accountable In the streets, at the capitol, and at the polls."
The coalition said that despite disappointments, they will continue showing up and speaking out.
Richard Massey, Youth Fellow at The Equity Alliance, said, "We are here as an interracial, multigenerational coalition. We will continue to make the voices of ordinary people heard in this chamber until this is a state in which everyone has ample opportunity to reach out and grab the American dream."
