Friday, June 10, 2011

Brody''s Scribbles... Justice for All Rally - Tennessee Progressive Groups Join Together To Speak Out for Equal Rights

Will Batts
By Will Batts | Memphis, Tennessee -- During the 2011 legislative session, the Tennessee General Assembly passed a number of laws that infringe on the rights of women; lesbian, Gay, bisexual and transgender citizens; immigrants; students; the poor; religious and racial minorities; and organized labor.
Socially conservative lawmakers think they can chip away at individual liberties by targeting groups that represent minority interests in Tennessee. Individually, our various groups are small. But united, we represent the silent majority of Memphis.
This Sunday we will come together to send Nashville the message that we are united in our opposition to legislation that attacks the liberty and well-being of any minority. “An attack on one of us is an attack on all of us!” said Will Batts, Director of Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center.
A coalition of progressive groups including Tennessee Equality Project, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region, Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center, and Mid-South Peace and Justice Center and many others will hold a rally this Sunday, June 12th at 3pm on the steps of First Congregational Church (First Congo), 1000 South Cooper Street.
WHAT: Justice for All RallyDATE: Sunday, June 12, 2011
TIME: 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
PLACE: First Congregational Church, 1000 So. Cooper Street
PROGRAM: The rally is being put together by a coalition of progressive political activists and minority rights groups.
Line up of Speakers includes:
Rev. Cheryl Cornish, First Congregational Church Michelle Bliss, Tennessee Equality Project Will Batts, Memphis Gay and Lesbian Community Center Katie Smith, Planned Parenthood Greater Memphis Region
Brad Watkins, Mid-South Peace & Justice Center
Marion Bacon – Memphis Center for Independent Living Shelly Seeburg AFSCME
Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition- Gaby Benitiz
PURPOSE: The purpose of the rally is to build a permanent coalition of progressive organizations that united will oppose legislation that infringes on individual liberties and harms the interests of the poor, the working class and minority groups of all stripes.
Will Batts is the Executive Director of the Memphis Gay & Lesbian Community Center and can be reached at 901-278-6422 or
e-mail: wbatts@mglcc.org

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