By Zintrise Altovise
On Friday, November 7th, community members filled the historic Watson Grove sanctuary for a town hall conversation with Tennessee State Representative Aftyn Behn and Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett of Texas. Held in advance of the December 2nd special election for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District, the room pulsed with a shared understanding: this election isn’t just about a seat, it’s about the soul of the state.
Even though Rep. Crockett could not attend in person, her commitment to accessibility was felt in every exchange. The town hall centered on democracy, accountability, and the urgency of showing up in a moment where so many rights, freedoms, and protections feel vulnerable.
When asked how events like this strengthen the cause, Aftyn Behn answered with sincerity and gratitude:
“They’re so important. I mean, to have the federal representative who couldn’t be here physically but wanted to be accessible. I am a state legislator who believes in the power of town halls, and you know, even if you don’t want to hear it, it’s important to hear it because you’re constituents. And so for me, having it at Watson Grove means a lot, it’s in the district. Having my elected officials, my colleagues here, but most importantly, the people, right? There are people who waited in line, who got tickets, and wanted to hear from me and Representative Crockett. And it’s an important part of participatory democracy.”
Her commitment to community-centered politics is something she lives, not just says.
Over the past few weeks, Nashville has seen a wave of collective action rising around this race. Senator Charlene Oliver recently hosted a warm, energetic meet-and-greet for Aftyn at Plane Jane in East Nashville, where neighbors crowded into the space with genuine curiosity and care. Aftyn spoke openly about the campaign’s challenges, asking the community directly for support, guidance, and accountability as she works to represent the district effectively. It was a reminder that democracy is a two-way relationship; leaders who listen create communities that thrive.
Soon after, I joined a canvassing event at Hadley Park, where the beautiful Former Vice President Kamala Harris flew into Nashville to speak passionately about what’s at stake in this election. Her presence electrified the crowd. She reminded us that the fight for voting rights, reproductive freedom, and social justice does not exist somewhere distant; it is happening right here, in our neighborhoods, in our homes, and in our hearts.
At the town hall, I asked scholar and author Michael Eric Dyson how Nashville’s political climate compares to that of places he has lived before. His response was profound:
“This is a conservative place, but we understand that we have to generate our coalition skills in order to resist white supremacy, social injustice, gender depression, sexual violence, and the inability to live up to the creed of America.”
His words sit heavy, but also offer a clear direction. The power to resist and reimagine lies in what we build together.
As we approach Election Day on December 2nd, the message from all these moments, the town hall, the meet-and-greet, the canvassing event, the speeches, blends into one unified call:
We are in a season where voting is an act of protection, restoration, and hope.
And it’s not just the responsibility of a few. It’s a collective effort, with leaders, neighbors, elders, young people, organizers, and families all standing together to protect our freedoms in the country we are shaping day by day.
This election presents an opportunity to shift the climate in Tennessee and move America closer to the promise it has long made but not always fulfilled.
So, to every reader:
Your voice matters. Your vote matters.
Make your plan, bring someone with you, and show up on December 2nd.
Our future is something we build together, and it begins at the ballot box.
Featured image by Zintrise Altovise.
