Photo of illustration as part of the book Peaceful Fights for Human Rights by Rob Sanders and Illustrated by Jared Andrew Schorr.
by Elizabeth Langgle-Martin, Community Engagement Manager
On November 3, many of us across the nation donned our masks—or sealed our envelopes—and submitted our votes with a deep conviction about which candidates will best set us up to move the needle in the direction of our values. After several tumultuous days (and if we are honest, the remainder of the Halloween candy), we now have a better picture of how our nation’s next season will look. However, countless unknowns, rising COVID numbers, and the brokenness of centuries of injustice continue to gnaw at us. The same convictions that surround the way we voted in this presidential election have shallow roots if they end when a POTUS is announced.
As I anxiously worked and waited for election day to come to a close, sourdough loaves resting on the counter and a mason jar filled with fresh water as my chosen methods of self-care, I listed the things I know to be true regardless of the outcome of this election. A couple weeks later, I offer those here.
1. Our systems were not designed to protect and value Black and brown bodies, much less the hearts, minds, joys, sorrows, wealth, and health of Black and brown people. My work and the work of other white folks is to continue dismantling oppressive systems (even those we may benefit from) and center the voices of leaders within Black and brown communities.
2. For those of us who are able to vote, local elections equal local power. When those of us who are able to vote choose not to vote in district, city, and state elections, we are giving away that power. In addition, we have access to city council meetings, oversight board committee gatherings, and so many more levels of local decision making that impact the care of our neighbors. If this election inspired you into new levels of action, there are spaces for you to move that work into a deep, localized, impactful presence.
3. We are all wrong. At some point, we have all been taught, internalized, and acted out of misinformation about ourselves and about others. It is our life’s work to identify, root out, and mitigate the harm we have caused because of that misinformation. When our intersections are clear of election signs and our junk mail returns to credit card offers, this is still the work for which we are responsible.
4. For every moment of injustice throughout history, there have been movements of resistance. How many names have I not known, how many faces of inspiration have I missed out on because they aren’t part of a standardized narrative, omitted from glossy grade-school textbooks? I’ll keep learning about those who used their bodies, minds, resources, and lives. This is the legacy I want to root myself in, the standard I want to hold myself to.
5. All systems of power must have checks and balances. Even those we cast a vote for. A healthy democracy means holding leaders accountable for the work they do (or don’t do) and the harm or good done by policies that are implemented under their leadership. May we be loyal to justice, equity, the dismantling of white supremacy, the health of our communities, and the care of all people above a single person or party.
6. “With fiercest hope, we believe that people and situations can change”. Part of The Nashville Food Project’s core values, I must admit that on certain days this statement feels more aspirational to me than something I know to be true. And yet, when torn between embracing fierce hope or paralyzing despair, I look at my tiny, vibrant daughter, think about good bones, and know that only hope will challenge me to be a part of creating a world I so deeply desire.
Fill up your water glass, get a moment in the sunshine, listen to this song, light a candle, and dig in. This work is far from over. There is still so much good trouble to be had. We are only just beginning.
P.S. Speaking of voting, did you know that The Nashville Food Project collaborated with Conexion Americas, the Margaret Maddox YMCA in East Nashville and the Southeast Nashville polling site to provide snacks during a few peak early voting times?
Waiting in line is a little sweeter with one of Joe Hodgson’s Pink Lady Apples or from-scratch pumpkin-banana bread! Whip up a little fall goodness with the recipe below:
Banana Pumpkin Bread
For the batter:
1 can pumpkin
2 cups mashed banana (about 5 bananas)
4 eggs
1 cup oil
1/2 cup sour cream
4 cups flour
1 1/4 tablespoon baking soda
1/2 to 1 tablespoon cinnamon
1/2 to 1 tablespoon nutmeg
2 1/2 cup sugar
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon vanilla
1/2 tablespoon salt
For the topping:
1/3 cup oats
1/3 cup flour
2/3 cup sugar
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
In a large bowl, combine batter ingredients and pour into a shallow baking dish. In a separate bowl, combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over batter. Bake for about 20-25 minutes.