NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — It was originally planned as a night to remember two civil rights icons.
But after a neo-Nazi group made multiple appearances around Nashville in the last several days, the rally took on new meaning.
"Jacob is a Jew, Thomas is a Christian, Sandra is an immigrant, Odessa is part of the LGBTQ community. This is Nashville," Councilwoman Zulfat Suara said at the memorial, referencing several of her colleagues on Metro Council.
Dozens gathered at Diane Nash Plaza in front of city hall Wednesday night to honor the lives of civil rights legends John Lewis and James Lawson, but after a white supremacist group disrupted the announcements at Metro Council chambers, confronting many members Tuesday, leaders said this celebration was about much more.
"We know who we are, and what we stand for. And [hate group members] need to know when they come for one of us they're coming for all of us," Suara said.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
