Hugs. Fear. Tears. Blessings. Thanks.

Rinse. Repeat.

“I have nothing, not even a car seat for my baby.”

“Are there a lot of police on the street?”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for these blessings.”

“I have rights? Are you a lawyer?”

Tears.

Hugs.

Fear.

All I know is that I didn’t live my life from 2001 on, having our fucking flag shoved down my throat, to have it stay with a heavy foot on mine and my neighbors necks now.

I don’t know how we meet this moment.

I’ve had a friend I care for deeply, snatched.

I’ve watched my black and brown neighbors alike get pulled over and harassed, simply for existing. Some even disappearing, cars left behind.

I have put miles upon miles on our car delivering food to families in need because they are too afraid to leave their homes.

The least I can hope for is that they see that for those 10 minutes, mean that they are safe in that moment and can feed their families for the week.

I hope my daughter one day realizes that I did my best to meet this moment while for the few hours she’s in school, I dedicate mine to serving others, this city, and this country without pay.

I pray this is not for nothing.

Nothing is normal. This city is too quiet. This city is losing its soul.

And my street is silent.

I don’t ask for much, but I need to believe that we will all sit under our own vines and fig trees, and no one will make us afraid.

So, I’m not perfect. I’m not a traditional believer, but I’m making my appeal.

Circumstances should not dictate whether or not they are treated with humanity.

Humanity is worth the investment. I hope Heaven sees it that way too.

If you are interested in learning more about this entirely volunteer-run endeavor, please read: https://tennesseelookout.com/2025/10/13/grassroots-memphis-food-pantry-reports-spike-in-need-as-federal-agents-flood-city/

If you can find it in your heart to donate funds directly to this endeavor so that we can continue to provide non-perishable items for our affected families, please do so via:

Cashapp: $collectivegood

Venmo: @thecollectivegood

Signed,

A very concerned American.

PS: Why do we allow Christian Nationalists and the Alt-Right the privilege to commandeer our flags? And with that, fuck Samuel Alito. That little pine tree flag belongs to America, all of us.