2017 Gayle Jordan can yell with the best of ‘em.
Hard to believe it was a year ago.
What a joy to once again line up with my sisters (and brothers) and march for equality, justice, and inclusion.
Coming together to show we are adamantly opposed to bigotry and racism; that we don’t want to be ruled by one political party. America is a Democracy, not an Autocracy.
Last year, when I marched, I walked with my daughter and cousin, and we were still so very injured and in pain over the results of the election. The emotions we felt in 2017 were such a combination of fear, anger, and frustration. I felt those same emotions again this year, but they were buoyed by hope, optimism, and solidarity.
Mother-daughter moment. (Gayle Jordan and her daughter Glenda march in 2017.)
The apprehension we all felt in the 2017 March has sadly manifested, in some ways worse than we had even anticipated. Each horrible tweet, each callous executive order, each careless and hateful comment brings a stab of pain as we seek to protect and comfort the targets and victims of this dastardly despicable dishonorable sleazy administration.
We’ve had a year to nurse our wounds. We’ve had a year to grieve, to weep, to cry out in disgust at the direction the loser of the popular vote has taken our country. Thankfully, that sad, sad year is over.
It’s 2018 at last and we’re organizing. We’re voting. We’re recruiting. We’re building up our local parties. We’re canvassing, phone banking, post carding, texting, posting, and emailing. Daily and hourly. Supporting the principles and foundations of these UNITED States of America, in which we so fervently believe.
The truth is on the march and nothing will stop it. ~Emile Zola
Our country is collectively deciding who we are going to be. Are we going to give in to the hatred, divisiveness, and protectionist mindset that appeals to the worst of humanity? Or are we going to summon up and reach for the better angels of our nature? Build up or break down? Include or exclude? Seek and promote diversity, or withdraw and prize conformity?
Don’t boo. Run.
As I stood in the plaza again today, with my fellow Tennesseans, I was so encouraged. I saw eyes filled with hope and determination. I saw people of all races and ages standing steadfast and committed to progress. I saw, not just inclusiveness, but a celebration of our differences. I heard the chants, the call and response about what democracy looks like, about who we are, and I felt such pride to be part of this moment in time.
We’ve been given a unique gift in this terrible presidency. We’ve been given the opportunity to protect our democracy. If you’ve ever wondered what you would have done in 1930’s Germany, or during the Civil Rights Movement, or at any other pivotal moment in time when people have been called on to make a choice, how you respond now gives you your answer. How you respond now.
Neutrality is no longer an option. Your silence condemns you. I know political activism is hard, and intrusive, and upsetting. Tough shit. Get your sign, put on your boots, and come out here.
I’m Gayle Jordan and I’m running for State Senate in TN’s 14th district.
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Tennessee 2018 - Gayle Jordan
