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A resolution recognizing the podcast We Are North Nashville and its work documenting the history of North Nashville and the wisdom of its community elders.
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WHEREAS, the residents of North Nashville have a long and storied passion for their community and history of advocacy and perseverance in the face of adversity; and
WHEREAS, artist, writer, and community organizer M. Simone Boyd and producers Andrea Tudhope and Steve Haruch began to gather the stories of North Nashville residents which had not been broadly told before; and
WHEREAS, the team first published their work in the inaugural season of the podcast We Are North Nashville in September and October 2024; and
WHEREAS, the podcast told the stories of nine community elders - Rev. Dr. Margreat Smithson, Barbara Jean Watson, Dr. Patricia Streator Jackson, Thomas Wilson, Cheryl McReynolds, Leitha Carter, Melvin Gill, Larry Turnley Sr., and Larry Turnley Jr. - who helped hold North Nashville together through decades of challenges and strife though persistence, advocacy, and joy; and
WHEREAS, We Are North Nashville provides needed context about the history of North Nashville, including the effects of racialized terrorism, the damaging split of the community caused by Interstate 40 construction, and continued disruption and neglect; and
WHEREAS, the podcast and its associated essays and community events help facilitate an important conversation to connect these stories individually and to the history of the neighborhood; and
WHEREAS, the program allows listeners to draw from the wisdom of these North Nashville elders with an eye on the future; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to recognize We Are North Nashville and its organizers, M. Simone Boyd, Andrea Tudhope, and Steve Haruch for their efforts to document the history of North Nashville with a new, innovative, and inclusive approach.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNME...
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