Two Tennessee lawmakers, Rep. Justin Jones of Nashville and Rep. G.A. Hardaway of Memphis, are urging state officials to take a firmer stance against the increasing neo-Nazi activity in Nashville. This comes after a group of white supremacists harassed five young boys who were performing on the streets over the weekend. Jones and Hardaway are calling for stronger action to combat this disturbing trend.
At a news conference held on Wednesday at the Cordell Hull legislative office building, Jones spoke out against the verbal attacks and intimidation tactics used by white nationalists towards a group of young black boys. These boys were simply trying to play drums and enjoy their summer break like any other child. Jones described the boys as brilliant, beautiful, and powerful, highlighting the unjust treatment they received.
According to Jones, the recent action can be described as an intimidation tactic that brings back memories of a time when our society was plagued by darkness.
Downtown regulars may recognize the talented young drummers, Rontarious and Detonio Wilson, aged 14 and 10, Kamond Williams, aged 11, and Jaquial Forrest, aged 9. These boys often showcase their impressive drumming skills on overturned plastic buckets, leaving onlookers in awe.
Jones and the mother of one of the boys stated that the Metro Nashville Police had accompanied the children only up to a block away from the incident site, leaving them to walk home alone thereafter.
Jones stated that the current issue is not just a surface-level problem, but a systemic one that poses a significant threat to the state and city. He emphasized that the increasing rise of white nationalist terror is targeting even the younger generation, highlighting the urgency of addressing this pressing concern.
According to a recent report by the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate groups in Tennessee and across the United States are on the rise. The report highlights an alarming trend of growing hate and intolerance, which is a cause for concern. It is essential that we address the root causes of hate and work towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society. We must stand up against hate and bigotry in all its forms and ensure that everyone feels safe and valued in our communities. It is only through collective action and a commitment to justice and equality that we can overcome hate and build a better future for all.
The Metro Council’s Minority Caucus reacted swiftly to the incident, issuing an online statement in which they strongly rebuked the event.
According to the statement, using our right to free speech to justify using racist language against children is unacceptable. The authors of the statement denounce any kind of speech that promotes division, intolerance, or incites hatred. They firmly believe that such vile and racist language should not be weaponized against innocent children.
During the news conference held on Wednesday, Ashton Lee, who is the mother of Forrest and a friend of the mothers of the other three boys, shared her thoughts.
With tears in her eyes, she expressed her frustration, “It just wasn’t right. I came to this city expecting to experience freedom, but it happened anyway.”
Upon viewing the viral video of the incident on social media, Lee was taken aback to discover that her son and his friends were the targets of the harassment. Initially, she was unaware of their involvement in the altercation.
She expressed that the situation was heartbreaking to her.
Lee stated that the boys, who earn money through busking to buy typical pre-teen items such as shoes and fashionable clothing, have not been outside to play since the incident. They shyly confided to the media about their desires.
She expressed her emotions by saying, “It evokes a certain feeling within me, but I make sure to remind my boys that not all white people are the same.” She acknowledges that her sons feel like they are constantly facing opposition, but she assures them that this is not the case.
Expressing her disappointment, she revealed that no other lawmakers from Tennessee had contacted her, describing their silence as “hurtful.”
She appealed to them, saying, “Your actions are causing harm. I implore you to display your concern for the children and find ways to assist them.”
Jones and Hardaway urged the legislative body to take necessary measures and provide solutions to the existing problems by taking reflective and corrective actions. They demanded concrete answers to address the issue at hand.
Hardaway expressed her disgust and condemnation towards the video of the incident, deeming it as deplorable. She found it outrageous that grown men would resort to bullying and intimidation tactics towards young children in Nashville, Tennessee, especially in this day and age.
In questioning the safety of neo-Nazis who publicly march in Tennessee, he expressed no surprise at the altercation that occurred.
He emphasized the need to tone down the vitriolic dialogue that has been prevalent in the political arena, stating that it has created a toxic environment. He went on to say that those who support white supremacy will be called out for their actions.
The gathered media were treated to an exciting drum solo performed by the children before they embarked on a tour of the Capitol.
As he stood at the dais, which is typically reserved for House Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, Detonio slammed the ceremonial gavel. Despite his small stature, he looked over the wooden edge and made a plea for the police to allow them to be free and for white people to stop being racist towards Black children.
After the incident, Jones took the initiative to start a GoFundMe campaign for the children. The aim was to raise funds for the family to provide much-needed school supplies, clothing, groceries, and even a drum set if possible.
At the time of writing, the fundraising campaign has exceeded its goal by $2,000, with a total of over $10,000 raised.