Lawmakers: North Nashville Deserves Equitable Disaster Relief
Sen. Brenda Gilmore, Rep. Harold Love and Rep. Vincent Dixie shine light on storm damage in ‘often overlooked’ African-American neighborhood
NASHVILLE — Standing alongside Rep. Harold Love (D-Nashville) and Rep. Vincent Dixie (D-Nashville), Sen. Brenda Gilmore (D-Nashville) called on state and federal officials to remember North Nashville as the recovery effort moves forward.
Watch the press conference online
“I want to focus on North Nashville, one the city’s historic African American neighborhoods—a neighborhood and community that has beeen overlooked far too many times,” Sen. Gilmore said. “Natural disasters do not discriminate. We must make sure that the city, state and the country delivers an equitable response and resources to families in need, regardless of property values or zip codes. The good people of 37208 must not be forgotten.”
Lawmakers spoke in front of Lee Chapel AME Church, which has been converted into a make-shift emergency response center for the community. Though electricity is yet to be restored, two rooms outside the sanctuary were being used to distribute supplies and home goods for people in need.
Rep. Love, who is also the pastor at Lee Chapel, said the people of Nashville have shown great support so far.
“I’m especially grateful for the outpouring of support you see here,” Love said gesturing to volunteers who were unloading a line of vehicles dropping off supplies at the church. “We want to make sure we continue to focus on the many areas in Nashville on restoring the residents and getting them back in their houses as soon as we can.”
Rep. Dixie, who represents nearby areas in Bordeaux, said he came in solidarity.
“My mother always told me, ‘it doesn’t matter if you have $2, you can always help,’” Rep. Dixie said. “That’s what we’re going to do… I look forward to rebuilding North Nashville and Bordeaux as well.”
For those looking for ways to give back, Nashville Public Radio has compiled a list of ways people can donate and volunteer in Middle Tennessee.
