Hi, I'm Tequila Johnson aka "The Solutionary," but allow me to reintroduce myself.
I'm the proud Executive Director of The Equity Alliance and I'm elated to share that we have a lot of things planned for you this year! One of them is me meeting you monthly in the CEO's Corner. This is where I'll share what's on my heart, report on our TEAm's statewide progress, and most importantly detail how you can partner with us to accomplish our goals.
So far in 2023, our staffing TEAm has evolved and grown closer, traveled internationally to experience radical joy, faced new challenges, and adopted new ways to intentionally fulfill our vision and live out our mission. It is an incredible start to another year of being unapologetically Black, while building Black economic and political power in Tennessee.
Here's a snapshot of this year's initiatives:
- Voting Rights & Restoration
- Education
- Amendments to the Third Grade Retention Law
- Economic
- Housing
- Bills & Budgets
- Proposed Tennessee Titans' Stadium
- Metro Nashville & Davidson County Bills & Budget
- Marijuana Reform
Save the dates for these events:
- The Tennessee Black Voter Project (year-round)
This project epitomizes what it means to be boots on the ground, go door to door, and show up where the people are. It mobilizes our mission to educate, empower, and engage Black voters across the state.
- The Equity Alliance Day on the Hill (Tuesday, March 21)
It's our annual day at the State Capitol to learn about legislative processes, meet elected officials, and connect with people from your region.
- Middle Tennessee Volunteer Summit (Tuesday, April 4)
This day is all about our volunteers! The summit will provide a deeper understanding of the work we do in Middle TN, provide TEA volunteer training, and include voter registration training.
- Regional Plug-Ins
(The first Monday of each month, beginning April)
Looking to connect with TEA? This is your chance. The Plug-Ins are informative and interactive meetings curated for what's happening in your region of the state. It's all about real conversation and real action.
- Black on Buchanan: A Juneteenth Block Party
(Saturday, June 17)
This is the place to be for Juneteenth in Nashville! There will be music, food, performances, vendors, organizations, civic action opportunities, and more.
- 2023 Black Women's Empowerment Weekend (July)
Our weekend of loving on and letting loose with Black women is on the way. Last year was amazing and this year will take it to another level.
We are accepting sponsorships and Equity Partners to join us in funding the work.
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Congratulations, Sherese & Jess!
I said our TEAm was evolving. These women have put in the work on the frontlines and behind the scenes, so it only made sense to promote them.
- Sherese DaSilva (pictured below in blue) previously served as a policy fellow and is now the Director of Operations.
- Jess Williams (pictured below in pink) previously served as our Communications Director and is now the Director of Development and Marketing.
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I am grateful and humbled to lead this organization, champion more than a movement, and seek nothing but the best for our Black lives and legacies.
However, you must know that I did not and could not get to this point alone. Although it is monumental and bittersweet, I honorably recognize the departure of co-founder and former Executive Director Charlane Oliver, my sista and friend.
From our inception in 2016 and even in this moment, Charlane has demonstrated nothing less than integrity in leadership, deeply rooted compassion, and an unwavering commitment to building power - especially for vulnerable populations and Black Tennesseans. The Equity Alliance has exponentially grown, achieved, and progressed over the years due to her diligence, passion, and vision.
She is a true hero whose tireless efforts launched valuable actions, initiatives, and programing including but never limited to:
- Don’t Sell Out Norf, a mobilization effort to empower homeowners in historically Black North Nashville during the aftermath of the March 2020 tornadoes
- Black Women for Tennessee and the associated business/organization collective
- Black Women’s Empowerment Weekend, an annual event to celebrate and cultivate Black Girl Magic
- The legal win for absentee voting for all during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020
- The Equity Alliance Fund, our political action sister organization
- Organized Nashville's first 2020 protest against the police killings of Black Americans and state sanctioned violence.
Her presence is greatly missed and impact undeniable. Our hearts are forever grateful for her dynamic contributions to The Equity Alliance. Although it's goodbye on this side, we respect her journey and say hello to Tennessee Senator Charlane Oliver, representing District 19.
That's all for this CEO's Corner. I appreciate y'all and look forward to what we'll accomplish this year and beyond.
In solidarity and solutions,
Tequila
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Who all gon' be there? Us!
Step out with us and our community partners in celebration of Black History Month. Vibe with us at a variety of events ranging free 99 to not free 99. We're Black 365, but you know this month is our anniversary.
See the fliers below and click the links for details.
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"Representing in Goodlettsville!"
- The proud owner of a SpecialTEA license plate
We love to see your statewide excitement and support of the specialTEA license plate.
Tag us on social media or email your license plate pictures to us. If you can, please blur or cross out your license plate number.
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