We woke up really early this morning because we knew we had to get to Cookeville on time. I was excited to know that we would be greeted in Cookeville with a rally. The Putnam County Democratic Party and Abortion Access Cookeville (later known as Cookeville Community Action--CCA) had organized an event on the county courthouse steps and a dinner.
We started becoming aware that people were beginning to recognize us on the road. We had taken a shortcut that Sunday through a church parking lot, about an hour before the church service would start. There was someone who looked like they were a church staffer who called out to us. He said, “Hey, you all are with Walk for Our Lives”. I carefully said “Yes” not knowing what his motivations were. He seemed glad to see us and told us that he had seen us on the news. We hadn’t been aware of being covered in the news. I suspected that in this close-knit community, the word was out amongst the residents.
As we walked through Baxter, TN on our way to Cookeville, we passed a decrepit motorcycle bar called Buzzards Roost Tavern and a home that looked like it was the main set for Flowers In the Attic, that novel by V.C. Andrews where a mother and grandmother imprison the children in the attic to live. I don’t know if it was because we were only a week away from Halloween, or if the ultra-conservative climate was beginning to feel palpable, but I started feeling a bit creeped out.
Once we entered Cookeville proper, I was elated to see Elle Robinson, a leader with CCA and a bunch of other supporters. She greeted us with a hearty “Welcome to CookeVegas!” We all gathered on the steps and they eloquently spoke about why Cookeville was so supportive of Walk for Our Lives.
The next morning, Anne Austin organized donuts and coffee with supporters. It was from these events in Cookeville and across the state that I was inspired to start our Youth Organizing Program. This is Planned Parenthood’s way of supporting advocates, activists, and local groups to develop leadership and build power in their communities. After I completed this Walk, we were able to garner funding support from the Maddox Family Foundation and Civic Tennessee to hire young people in rural areas to register voters, engage the community and help build up local organizations. Cookeville is a great example of where there are highly capable leaders, and with some strategically placed resources, our movement can grow there.
Button and I are so grateful for the hospitality of Ray and Anne Austin. Anne was the venerable connector to so many in the community. Button and I enjoyed our rest day there.
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