Don’t lose your voice this school year: social justice actions to take and events to attend

During Syllabus Week, there are a number of ways to show you care about your Nashville community through social action and community building.

August 22, 2020

Photo courtesy People’s Plaza TN.

With so much division in the United States, it is up to us to band together and form a sense of community. Whether it be through physical support or calling representatives to enact change, there are many ways for students wishing to get involved to make a difference. If you’re interested in participating, we’ve listed some events to attend.

The People’s Plaza TN

Located between the Capitol, the War Memorial and the State Museum, the People’s Plaza (aka Ida B. Wells Plaza) has been the center of many social justice demonstrations. In early June, protestors gathered in the space across from the Capitol and hung up a banner, renaming the space as the Ida B. Wells Plaza after a statue of Edward Carmack was toppled down in May. Over the summer, the Plaza created ways for the Nashville community to get involved and will continue to do so throughout the year.

Community Meal (Every Friday, 5 to 7 p.m.)

Share a meal and share stories. Local restaurants are teaming up with the people of Nashville to create free family dinners for their community.

Open Mic Night (Every Friday, 8 p.m.)

This is an opportunity to be seen and heard by your community members. Whether it be through song, poetry or any other form of expression, the People’s Plaza is asking locals to share their talents.

Protest the Literature (Saturday, Aug. 22, 5 p.m. at Nashville’s Bicentennial Park Bells)

Attend this protest geared towards taking a stand against a Tennessee bill which aims to make camping out and chalking a crime. If this bill gets passed, individuals will be forced out of the Plaza.

Crosswalk Drag Ball (Friday, Sept. 25, 9 to 11:55 p.m.)

Help raise money for Black trans youth. More information further to come on their website.

Synonymous with community building is creating a safe, inclusive environment for all. The People’s Plaza aims to remove confederate monuments, talk to Governor Bill Lee and defund & demilitarize the police. If you’re looking for more ways to join the community, check out the People’s Plaza website and subscribe to their newsletter for updates on future events!

Metro Nashville Community Oversight (MNCO)

According to its bio, MNCO is an independent body that investigates cases of alleged Metro Nashville Police conduct. Its Twitter account is a great source on how to file police misconduct complaints and stay updated on changes within the Davidson county police department.

Community Safety Townhall Meeting (Monday, Aug. 24, 5 to 6:30 p.m. via teleconference)

This meeting is an opportunity to listen and share what you would like to see regarding public safety. For more information, click here.

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About the Contributor

Sahanya Bhaktaram, Former Life Copy Editor

Sahanya Bhaktaram ('23) is studying Communication Studies with minors in Business and the History of Art. She can be reached at [email protected].

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Taylor

3 years ago

Will the Hustler also promote conservative causes and events?

Molly

I think you encouraging students to go out into the community at a time like this is irresponsible. Vandy is doing a tremendous and challenging job to contain Covid and NOT get more students infected and every piece of literature we get says to stay away from any groups larger than 10 or there will be severe consequences. Please don’t encourage students to go to these large group settings. Are you even reading the information that parents and students are receiving from Vandy? It sounds like you attend a completely different university. Students want to be able to stay on campus and not close down and be sent home – there are freshman that want to experience college life for the first time and seniors that are desperate to have a normal senior year! You have this social platform – take some responsibility with it!