TENNESSEE HOLLER FEST 2021

Highlights from our first ever TENNESSEE HOLLER FEST, featuring inspiring voices from across the state lifting up the issues we face – including STELLA PARTON, JUSTIN JONES, REP. JIM COOPER, REP. STEVE COHEN, THE EQUITY ALLIANCE and much more.

Here’s a quick highlight reel.

Watch the FULL VIDEO HERE and LISTEN TO THE PODCAST

A Trip to Montgomery

Sandy summarizes her trip to the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and “lynching memorial” and searches for signs of its mission in our state.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.

Organizer Justin Jones on the RUN-OVER-A-PROTESTER Bill

“If something does happen to me, bring my casket outside the Capitol.” Activist Justin Jones on the RUN-OVER-A-PROTESTOR bill now revived by Lt. Gov. McNally, Gov. Bill Lee, and the Tennessee Republican Party.

 

The “Third Death Penalty” is NO MORE in Tennessee

“TODAY MERCY WON. People told us this was impossible, but No Exceptions Prison Collective rejected that.” Rev. Jeannie Alexander celebrates a huge win in the Senate — after 6 years of work and input from 1500 prisoners, a life sentence with parole went from 51 yrs to 25 yrs before parole eligibility.

Not only was this a win, but it was a bipartisan blowout, 26-4. Sen. Bowling (R) was the lead sponsor, co-sponsored by Senators Gilmore (D) and Roberts (R), soon to be joined by Sen. Yager (R).

 

TNGOP Has ANOTHER Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill from Rep Zachary

What if we told you Rep Jason Zachary is running ANOTHER anti-trans kids bill, this one about school bathrooms? It’s true, folks. HB1233 sailed through committees under the radar. The Tennessee Republican Party’s #SlateOfHate is ENDLESS.

 

Reps Harris and Mannis Push Back on TNGOP’s Anti-LGBTQ Textbook Ban

“THIS WOULD ELIMINATE ME.” Reps Harris (D-Memphis) & Mannis (R-Knoxville) – the 2 out LGBT reps – push back on Griffey & the TNGOP’s ANTI-LGBTQ TEXTBOOK BAN.

It passed committee 8-7 (YES VOTES: Cepicky, Griffey, Haston, Hicks, Sparks, Warner, Moody, Weaver).

 

These GOP Senators Don’t Seem to Understand the Right to Protest

“Are you worried BLACK PLAYERS won’t come to Tennessee? Why didn’t you go talk to the players about WHY they were kneeling?”

We asked Senators Rusty Crowe & Jon Lundberg about Coach Shay being forced out of ETSU (by boosters & TNGOP) for standing with his players.

 

Testimony Against Rep Ragan’s Anti-Trans Healthcare Bill

Reps Jerry Sexton, William Lamberth, and Bruce Griffey have the AUDACITY to accuse Dr. Kristin Rager of testifying against Rep Ragan’s anti-trans youth healthcare bill for FINANCIAL INCENTIVES.
Interesting that they’d attack a DR for that but not business executives & developers.

The Importance of Diversity and Inclusion

We need more diversity and inclusion in our national and state discussions. Tullahoma City Alderman Rupa Blackwell joins the show to discuss how she is helping to elevate these issues in her rural community.

FULL PODCAST available on Apple Podcasts here, and wherever else you like to listen here.