In previous statements in response to mass violence MHC has called attention to the need for communities to come together for support and healing. Yet another community today, this one in Louisville, KY, joins hundreds of others as they grieve and bury their loved ones.
The stress of living in a world where violence is a daily occurrence is impacting us all. Today, MHC is calling on all citizens and lawmakers to put our time and energy into the things we can control: upholding our democracy to find solutions that will protect and serve our people.
On March 27, 2023, a mass shooting occurred at The Covenant School, a private school in the Green Hills neighborhood of Nashville, Tennessee. A local resident and former student of the school killed three children and three adults.
Three days after, on March 30, Democratic representatives Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson joined others who had gathered at the statehouse and demand laws related to stricter gun control. During the protest, Mr. Jones held a sign which said, “protect kids, not guns”, and also led chants shouting “no action, no peace”. The trio, whom supporters call, “Tennessee Three”, represent about 200,000 constituents in Tennessee.
After gathering at the statehouse, Mr. Jones and Ms. Johnson were soon stripped of their committee assignments by the Republican leadership. Republicans then filed a resolution to rid the three Democrats of their seats in the state legislature for, “disorderly behavior.” It’s worth noting that in Tennessee, the House of Representatives has only voted twice to expel a member since the Civil War. Gloria Johnson was the only member of the “Tennessee Three” not to be expelled from the legislature. In an interview with CNN, Johnson was asked, “Why were those two expelled and you weren’t?” In response she said, “Well, I think it’s pretty clear. I’m a 60-year-old white woman and they are two young Black men.”
As an anti-racist organization, we cannot help but be concerned about the actions of the Tennessee legislature. Removing voices and representation that are essential to the democratic process during a time when constituents need urgent, thoughtful actions by state legislators is, at best a distraction and, at worst, causing more damage to this country’s already-tenuous values on one of the hallmarks of what this country stands for which is justice for all.
“Trying to expel three lawmakers without due process for amplifying the voices of their constituents in a peaceful, non-violent manner undermines democracy,” said Kathy Sinback, the executive director of Tennessee’s ACLU in a statement.
“Health and social justice are closely intertwined, and joining in protest is one of the most powerful and longest standing tools we have to exercise individual agency and deplete feelings of hopelessness. We cannot allow power to be wielded in a way that silences and dismisses those who are standing up peacefully in demand of change. MHC calls on all citizens and communities to support each other during this time of grief and frustration. Utilize local and national resources to help heal your own trauma and get involved with your community to learn who your neighbors are and how you can help,” said Luis B. Pérez, LCSW, MHC’s President and CEO
“Events of the past weeks have shocked us all but have not surprised us either. It is never a good look for legislators to tune out their constituents who have differing viewpoints, experiences and backgrounds. Failing to take action when leadership was most needed has awoken rising young voters to see an ugly side of politics that they are thankfully determined to change.” said Ben Harrington, the CEO of Mental Health Association of East Tennessee.
Please see below for resources. Get to know them, before you need them, and share them out with friends and family.
Find a warmline – https://bit.ly/3tneIUz
Coping through a traumatic event – https://bit.ly/3ik0nm0
Take a mental health screening – https://bit.ly/3pDgYqD
Crisis Text Line – https://www.crisistextline.org/
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – The Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. Call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. Support is also available via live chat at 988lifeline.org.
Tips for Survivors: Coping With Grief After Community Violence
