Letters from Clara: Rooted In Justice
By Clara Ndiraya, LMSW
The Landscape Now
As we step into summer, the world’s challenges continue, but so does our potential to respond with care and courage. This installment is heavier in recency, spotlighting a major national mobilization and a spectrum of justice efforts.
No Kings National Protest
On June 14, 2025, millions of people gathered in over 2,100 towns and cities across the U.S. as part of the No Kings protests: a broad, grassroots mobilization aligned with the 50501 and Indivisible campaigns. Sparked by growing concerns about democratic backsliding and concentrated political power, the demonstrations offered a collective call for accountability, rights protection, and a recommitment to shared civic values.
Moments of Courage and Creativity
Across the country, local communities brought heart, imagination, and deep care to their actions. Here are just a few of the key places where the movement came alive:
San Francisco: Thousands gathered on Ocean Beach to form a massive human banner spelling “NO KINGS”- a bold visual expression of unity and dissent. (Axios)
Salt Lake City: In the face of a tragic and isolated incident, local organizers responded with grounded leadership and a renewed commitment to nonviolence. Community members held vigils and emphasized care, accountability, and collective safety. (Washington Post)
Austin, TX: Over 20,000 people filled the Capitol grounds, lifting up calls for dignity, climate justice, and democratic integrity. Volunteer medics, legal observers, and community stewards worked together to ensure the well-being of those present—a testament to grassroots coordination and mutual aid. (Austin American-Statesman)
These moments weren’t just about protest- they were about presence. In every city, people showed up not just against something, but for each other, for community, and for the possibility of a more just future.
What’s Weaving Through the Noise
Gaza Ceasefire Efforts and Humanitarian Crisis
The push for a ceasefire in Gaza continues amid a devastating toll, with over 37,000 Palestinian lives lost since the conflict escalated in October 2023. International agencies emphasize the urgent need for sustained humanitarian aid as hospitals, water supplies, and infrastructure face ongoing destruction. (UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs)
Atlanta’s “Cop City” Protests Grow Stronger
Opposition to the proposed police training facility in Atlanta’s Weelaunee Forest is intensifying. A coalition of environmental activists, Indigenous groups, and prison abolition advocates have united to resist the demolition of this sacred forestland. The protests highlight concerns about environmental justice, Indigenous land rights, and the expanding militarization of policing. (The Guardian)
Climate Reparations Take Steps Forward in Europe
The European Union recently passed landmark legislation requiring major polluters to contribute financially to climate recovery efforts in the Global South. This marks a significant move toward climate reparations, acknowledging historical emissions and supporting communities most impacted by climate change. (European Commission)
Trans Rights: Progress and Setbacks
While some states like Tennessee and Kentucky have seen local court rulings supporting access to gender-affirming care for transgender youth, the broader national landscape remains fraught. Recent federal decisions and state legislation in other areas have rolled back protections and restricted care, underscoring the ongoing and uneven struggle for trans rights across the U.S. (Human Rights Campaign), (ACLU)
Reflections in Rhythm
We are holding three truths steady:
Change is happening, but not fast enough. We need both acceleration and endurance.
Solidarity is territory. The scale of No Kings speaks to collective power: every voice matters.
Self-care is continued resistance. Grounding ourselves fuels continued impact.
Ways to Engage in Nashville and Beyond
Stay Connected with Local Activism
Though the No Kings protests have concluded, the momentum for justice and accountability continues. Connect with Nashville-based grassroots groups like Indivisible Tennessee and the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) to learn about upcoming actions, mutual aid projects, and advocacy opportunities:
Support Immigrant Justice Locally
Organizations such as TIRRC lead efforts to defend immigrant communities from ICE raids and deportations. Consider donating, volunteering, or amplifying their work to help protect immigrant rights in Tennessee. (TIRRC)
Engage with Racial Justice Work
Nashville Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) organizes white people for racial justice through educational events and direct actions. They offer workshops and community calls that help deepen understanding and support for systemic change:
Support Pretrial Justice
The Nashville Community Bail Fund works to dismantle the cash bail system by providing support to those detained pretrial. Volunteer or donate to help keep people out of jail simply because they can’t afford bail:
Support LGBTQIA+ Rights and Safety
Connect with local LGBTQIA+ organizations like Tennessee Equality Project (TEP) and Nashville LGBT Chamber of Commerce to stay informed and involved in advocacy around transgender rights, queer safety, and inclusive policies in Tennessee:
Educate and Mobilize Through Community Dialogue
Host or join reading groups or discussion circles focusing on abolition, transformative justice, and grassroots resistance. Recommended works include Let This Radicalize You by Naomi Wilson, and writings by Kelly Hayes and Mariame Kaba. Local libraries and activist spaces in Nashville are great places to start these conversations.
Got a local activist space or community hub you love?
Drop us a line and we’ll shout them out in future editions! Let’s lift up the places where Nashville’s movements grow stronger together.
