OPINION: A New Path Forward: Launching the Jackson Chapter of the National Action Network

For the past few years living and working here in Jackson, I have bore witness to too many good people facing discrimination, social injustices and infringement of their civil rights. 

It became abundantly clear that certain powerful groups sought to maintain control and exclusivity, even if it meant suppressing new initiatives that aimed to uplift the underserved. Time after time, I saw promising community leaders and service organizations tormented by those who weaponized technicalities or exploited loopholes to derail progress. More than that, countless ordinary citizens endured quietly as they faced obstacles in housing, employment, interactions with local leaders and accessing equal opportunities - too fearful to stand up without support.

As a woman of color who had faced down such obstacles herself, I knew we desperately needed a respected advocacy group to embolden and defend West Tennesseans in their pursuit of justice and dignity. That's why I'm thrilled to now serve as President of the inaugural Jackson Chapter of the National Action Network. With NAN's proven track record of impactful change nationwide, I'm confident we will amplify the voices that have too long gone unheard in this community. We are dedicated to fighting all forms of discrimination, securing rights and resources for the marginalized, and empowering a new era of civic participation and leadership in Jackson.

Through our advocacy and programming, we aim to ensure this region lives up to the promise of freedom and equality for all people. With the launch of this new chapter, at last there will be an ally for the voiceless, a champion for the oppressed, and a vessel for the positive change so urgently needed.

The National Action Network has established itself as one of the preeminent civil rights organizations in America over the past 30 years. Founded in 1991 by iconic Reverend Al Sharpton, NAN has become a leading national voice fighting for social justice and equal representation on the federal level and in communities across the country.

Through grassroots community organizing, mass demonstrations and strategic legal advocacy efforts, NAN works tirelessly to promote opportunities and protect the rights of all people, regardless of race, religion, gender or background. They have long fought against insidious issues like racial profiling, voter suppression tactics aimed at disenfranchising marginalized groups, and glaring disparities that have led to disproportionate criminal sentencing and police violence affecting communities of color.

NAN has also played a pivotal role in securing landmark reforms through support of anti-discrimination legislation, organized mobilization efforts responding to acts of racial violence and intolerance and ensuring accountability for government entities and law enforcement agencies that have systemically denied fair treatment and due process.

Now, through the opening of the Jackson Chapter, West Tennesseans will gain access to the extensive experience, resources and powerful platform that only an organization of NAN's national caliber provides. At last, the injustices and transgressions too often endured in silence here will have the full advocacy and protection that civil rights leaders and other communities have reliably received through their relationship with Reverend Sharpton's empowering network for decades.

Over the next 12 months, among our most important priorities is securing the necessary start-up funding that will allow us to hit the ground running in support of civil rights and social justice. Critical funds are needed to establish an operating budget that supports robust legal assistance, thorough investigations into claims of discrimination occurring locally, and hiring dedicated staff. 

With adequate resources, we will be fully equipped to immediately and effectively address injustice wherever it exists in the community. Whether it's through legal representation, public advocacy efforts or coordinating with authorities to pursue alternative resolutions - we are committed to handling each case of alleged violation with the utmost care, competence and urgency they deserve. 

Simultaneously, we will direct focus toward cementing strong partnerships with like-minded organizations throughout West Tennessee. Strong alliances have already been formed with established groups like The New Jackson Madison County Voters Council, 100 Black Men of West Tennessee, Jackson NAACP, Greek sororities and fraternities, thorough the newly launched Jackson Coalition to strengthen voter protection and registration initiatives.

I am proud to announce that I have assembled an impassioned board of directors comprised entirely of local leaders who have intimately experienced the roadblocks and disadvantages that exist in Jackson due to forces aimed at maintaining the status quo.

In our first year, West Tennesseans can expect initiatives encompassing voter registration assistance, candidate training workshops, community legal clinics and more. Importantly, in partnership with the Tennessee State Chapter of NAN, I have already successfully written grants to secure critical funds for a series of voter education forums with the Jackson Coalition that will soon be held throughout the region.

This is a new era for Jackson and West Tennessee - one defined not by indifferent silence in the face of injustice, but of vocal, unified action in solidarity with those most marginalized.

As the new President of the Jackson Chapter of the National Action Network, I hereby declare that we are ushering in a revolutionary new path. One where we will stand up against all forms of discrimination, fighting without fear or prejudice on behalf of all who demand nothing more than fair treatment under the law.

I appeal to anyone with a conscience calling them to support true equity - please, join our effort today by visiting nanmiddletn.org. For just $26 per year, you can play a direct role in impacting positive change. Once our chapter officially launches, your membership will be transferred to our Jackson office.

Now is the time for bold, principled action. I hope you will take the small, meaningful step of becoming a member to help empower our work.

Sabrina Parker is a guest columnist writing about faith, diversity and equality in Jackson and beyond. Contact her at parkerintennessee@gmail.com.