January 2025 TIRZAH Convening

On Saturday, January 25th, our leaders L. Roshell Hubbard, Mary Carter-Jones, Gwen Gibson, Rev. Fred Morton, Vickie Taylor, Tyler Foster, and Sweetrica Baker joined organizers and leaders across TN for our third Tirzah convening. The goal of the convening was to begin planning statewide actions around our Transformational Justice and Public School Strong Campaign. "My hope has been to participate as a member of MICAH in local actions directly affecting the citizens of Memphis," said Mary on her reflection of the convening. Leaders in the room wrestled with the tension of shifting focus from local to statewide work and what that would mean for the work we're doing locally.

"I was happy to attend the Tirzah convening in Clarksville on Saturday, January 25th. My expectation was that the three TN groups would discuss the issues they are facing and get feedback from the other groups about how they had addressed similar issues. I was surprised to know there was a specific agenda to discuss and support new communities in less urban areas. I understand that bringing (and supporting) energy from locations outside the three main cities in TN is crucial to Gamaliel's agenda at the state and national level." 

Mary shares that she still continues to work locally on the issues crucial to our community. However, it is clear that we are ready for action statewide, so organizers and leaders are planning our next actions. If you are interested in joining Tirzah at the capitol next month for a Day on the Hill to speak directly with our elected officials, sign up below.