Lifting up Progressives in Alabama
and no, I didn't form a band -- actual progressives in Alabama, the state of.
Business has been good. We’ve had a lot of good fortune, including a move into a shared office space. Coworking has been good for my garrulous self, and I’ve been enjoying my intentional proximity to other leftists and progressives. I’m also grateful that I didn’t turn completely into a misanthropic hermit. But related to the move is that I’ve been spending a fair amount of time with local (remember, I live in Huntsville, AL) comrades to reinvigorate the Tennessee Valley Progressive Alliance. (our next meeting is Jan. 11 at 6 p.m. at the HMCPL Downtown Branch Auditorium.) So I thought I’d devote this newsletter issue to progressive happenings in Alabama.
Some have opined that the oppression/suppression in the US South is because the resistance is so strong. If the folks I know are any example, you can bet on the veracity of that opinion because there really are some progressive hotspots — so while we are strong as individuals and groups, we can go farther together. :) Enjoy a glimpse of what we’re up to.
One of the first things TVPA is involved in is “Out in the light: A vigil of remembrance.” This event memorializes those who have died in the pursuit of housing or who have died while homeless. So on December 21, we will join forces with progressive people around Huntsville and walk the square downtown several times during the day to remind people working downtown that the city’s unhoused population also lives there.
There have been ongoing stands and demonstrations in support of Palestine and in opposition to the genocide happening in Gaza. In January, we expect a pro-Palestinian event at UAH. Note: antisemitism is not and has not been welcome at any event, formal or informal, with or without sponsorship.
Since the murder of George Floyd, numerous groups, including the Dana Fletcher Foundation, United Women of Color, and Huntsville Bail Fund, have been instrumental in supporting local protesters. And hoo-boy do we have reason to take to the streets!!! #JusticeforStevePerkins In Decatur, day shifts of demonstrators are outside of city hall, but it’s Night Shift that has become a makeshift free store and community care center. And at every demonstration where people will be in front of police, Rocket City Medic Collective ensures our physical safety while Legal Observers help protect our first amendment rights.
To that end, we NEED more legal observers. Please consider completing this form and going through the one-day training that HBF is developing in-house, based on the National Lawyers Guild training. Stay tuned for the training date!
HMCPL update forthcoming, but suffice it to say that censorship is happening in our public library system — but we aren’t going down without a fight!
The Madison County Remembrance Project is headed to the Equal Justice Initiative (EJI) on the bus Feb. 2. The link to sign up will be coming ASAP and you’ll want to get on the bus for this deeply moving experience. The cost is $10/person inclusive of snacks, food, and entry to the museum. There are only 112 seats total (2 busses) so please act quickly as they will fill up quickly.
Union support is at an all time high — but the state of worker in Alabama via Alabama Arise indicates that workers’ rights in non-unionized states are at great jeopardy. Arise’s report on the Alabama auto industry is illuminating and offers terrific information on workers and their rights.
So while we hammer out our TVPA bylaws and get the official paperwork together, we also have important work to do. If you feel like supporting it, click on any of the group of progressive orgs linked here —all could use financial support this holiday — and will issue you a receipt for your efforts (by the end of the year, natch)! And show up for the meetings, demonstrations, and the busses to Montgomery in 2024!!
XO, Stephanie