WE STAND AGAINST HOUSE AND SENATE BILL BARRING REPARATIONS

As community members, faith leaders, elected officials, organizers, and people of good will, we are deeply troubled and utterly dismayed by the reprehensible legislation proposed by the Tennessee legislature to prohibit local governments from engaging in the vital work of studying or disbursing reparations. The timing of this proposal on April 4th, the tragic anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, adds insult to injury and shows a blatant disregard for the profound impact of economic injustice on Black communities.

We recommend HB0474 be withdrawn immediately.  

This proposed bill is not just misguided; it is morally repugnant. It seeks to silence the voices of those who have long been marginalized and unjustly discriminated against, further perpetuating systemic inequalities that have plagued our society for far too long. This effort also impairs work that has been taking place in localities across the state since the George Floyd Protests of 2020.  By attempting to block efforts towards racial and economic equity, especially in Memphis and Shelby County, this legislation not only hinders progress but also undermines the very fabric of justice and compassion.

Furthermore, the constitutional implications of such a bill cannot be ignored. To deny local governments the ability to address the legacy of economic injustice through reparations violates the civil rights of Black individuals who have suffered immeasurably from centuries of systemic oppression. It disregards the fundamental principle of equal protection under the law and denies justice to those who have been injured by the enduring effects of economic inequality.

Dr. King's legacy, his tireless advocacy for justice and equality, is tarnished by the introduction of this regressive legislation. Dr. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of racial and economic justice, championing the rights of the oppressed and calling for reparation measures to rectify the injustices of the past. To propose such a bill on the anniversary of his assassination is not only disrespectful but also a clear affront to his enduring legacy.

At a time when discussions about reparations are gaining momentum at both the national and local levels, this proposed bill represents a significant step backward in our collective journey towards racial healing and reconciliation. It reflects a lack of empathy, understanding, and a commitment to truth and reconciliation that are essential for building a more just and equitable society.

We cannot stand idly by and allow this legislation to pass unchallenged. We must resist this attempt to undermine the progress towards reparations and economic equity. We must uphold the principles of justice, equality, and human dignity that Dr. King so valiantly fought for. It is our moral imperative to speak out against injustice, to advocate for reparative measures, and to honor the legacy of Dr. King by continuing the work towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

In the face of adversity, we must stand united in our commitment to justice and equality, and we must not waver in our resolve to achieve reparative justice for those who have been historically oppressed. The time for action is now, and we must rise up against this legislation that seeks to erode the progress we have made towards a more just and equitable society.

As friends, leaders, activists, allies, faith-based leaders, stakeholders, organizations, and others in the local, state, and national reparations movements, we stand with #UPTheVote901 and all our partners in Tennessee in opposition to HB0474.