Feature photo by Jackson Thomas
Story by Jackson Thomas
MTSU College Democrats hosted several Democratic public officials to recognize and celebrate their groundbreaking achievements at a civic engagement panel event Sept. 16.
Jerome Moore, bestselling author of “Deep Dish Conversations: Voices of Social Change,” moderated the panel featuring State Rep. Aftyn Behn, State Sen. Charlane Oliver, Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) Director Pratik Dash, Rutherford County Democratic Chair Morgan Woodberry, and Nashville Councilman Jeff Preptit.
Moore asked the panelists at the start of the evening how they have overcome certain obstacles and benefited from being the first marginalized members in their roles.
Preptit, the first Black councilman for District 25, initially answered Moore’s question. He told the audience it has been a challenge because people “have to get used to the idea of somebody like me representing them and elevating their voices.” He reassured the audience that even though the panelists were the first in their roles, they would not be the last.
Woodberry took the reins and told the audience that the two biggest challenges in being the first in your field are that you are challenging the status quo and paving your way. However, she told the audience that it is an “empowering experience” because you are learning more about your strengths and yourself.
The panelists were also questioned on what they were fearful of.
Preptit started the discussion by stating that he was most fearful of “feeling the weight and responsibility of being in the public eye and placing my family in harm’s way.”
He harkened back to a statement made earlier in the panel by Oliver about receiving death threats and said that is something on his mind constantly.
Following Preptit, Behn said that she was troubled by the elected leaders’ lack of accountability.
Moore continued with a question directed at Dash.
“What is something you are hopeful for?” said Moore.
Dash stated that he is hopeful that some of those in attendance will be up on the stage the next time there is a panel of this kind. He also expressed that he hopes to create the vision of a “multi-ethnic, multi-generational democracy.”
Oliver added to Dash’s idea and said she is hopeful Tennessee will become the next battleground state, similar to North Carolina.
The final panel question of the evening was, “What is something we didn’t talk about?”
Most of the panelists discussed ways for students to get involved in democracy.
They all agree that showing up to events, attending state and local meetings, talking to candidates and registering to vote will allow students to voice their opinions on the issues.
After the panel, time was given to discuss hot voter issues like education funding for the arts, student loan forgiveness, and the most significant things they have done for students.
Behn stated that the most important thing she has done for students has been ending the grocery tax. She also added that she was 100% in favor of funding the arts and student loan forgiveness.
Oliver and Preptit held the same stance on funding and loan forgiveness; however, their accomplishments concerning students differed.
Oliver thinks that her attempt to allow students to vote using their college IDs rather than their driver’s licenses is her greatest contribution to students.
Preptit believes his most significant accomplishment is the legislation he worked on to help keep students safe on campus.
Jackson Thomas is a contributing reporter for MTSU Sidelines.
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