Nationally-organized Moms for Liberty Williamson County has repeatedly made national news in the past year over their efforts to ban children's books in Williamson County School classrooms, including Frances Ruffin’s Martin Luther King Jr. and the March on Washington, and the autobiographical Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story. They've spoken publicly against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives in our schools and called for the halt of any such programs promoting racial equality. 

They have infamously disrupted School Board meetings, caused division among Williamson County residents, and brought negative attention to the quarter of a million residents who live here, including the thousands who send their children and grandchildren to our high-performing public schools. 

Now they're holding a rally featuring Larry Gatlin at The Factory at Franklin over MLK, Jr. weekend, using the late Civil Rights activist's image to advertise their $100/seat fundraiser. On 1/5/22, Dr. King's own daughter and CEO of Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change, Dr. Bernice King, has spoken out against this event on her Twitter feed, denouncing the inclusion of her father's likeness: "So he can help make money, but not be taught in full?"

We call on the current and incoming owners of The Factory at Franklin to immediately reconsider being the host to this anti-diversity event, and our local political leaders and business community to publicly denounce it in the name of Williamson County's diverse and connected residential and business community. 

Silence is a seal of approval. The residents of Williamson County do not share the ideals or beliefs of this group and do not wish to see our community associated with an event that disrespects the honor and legacy of Dr. King and his fellow Civil Rights activists. 

CC: 

Williamson Inc. - CEO Matt Largen

Board of Mayor & Aldermen - Mayor Ken Moore
Beverly Burger, 1st Ward
Matt Brown Ward 2
Jason Potts, Ward 3
Patrick Baggett, Ward 4
Clyde Barnhill, Alderman At Large
Gabrielle Hanson, Alderman At Large
Ann Petersen, Alderman At Large
Brandy Blanton, Alderman At Large

Mayor Rogers Anderson, Williamson County, TN