Brandon --

At a recent community meeting, one of our neighbors shared a story about how their home had recently been hit multiple times by gun-fire – Sadly, this wasn’t the first time this has happened – they have over 17 bullet holes in their house (that they've counted)! Immediately our community rallied behind them and began to work with our police and local city government to get a camera placed on their street. 

We have to be intentional in addressing public safety in District 21 and throughout the city. We are building stronger relationships with the community and our police department; I realize that there is much work to do in this area, but there are practical solutions that are happening right now! The most useful tool that we have is our ability to work together. We have an opportunity to increase the safety of our neighborhoods with organizations that are already serving in our community.

Three organizations (one is moving their headquarters to District 21 soon) are working in our community to increase the public safety and find ways for individuals, especially youth, to have economic growth.

Dismas House – The mission of Dismas House is to bring about mutual reconciliation between former offenders and society through the development of a supportive community. With the highest incarceration rate in the country being in zip code 37208, recidivism is an important topic. Dismas offers opportunities for growth and training for former offenders by providing housing and basic needs, clinical support, and financial empowerment.

Gideon’s Army – Gideon’s Army uses restorative justice-based programs to build resilient kids and healthy communities. They meet kids where they are, in the schools and in their communities. Gideon’s Army provides in-school programming to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline, as well as, being a powerful presence in our community.

McGruder Family Resource Center – The partners of McGruder FRC are committed to helping build strong families, eradicate multi-generational poverty and create environments of opportunity. They provide workforce development training for adults and youth through entrepreneurship, hospitality management, and culinary training courses.

Working together in unity to find solutions is the answer for not only for district 21 but for greater Nashville. Providing access and information for opportunities in our district will allow us to move forward – everyone – and grow our district with the community’s best interest at the forefront.

Upcoming community events:

• Early Voting – July 12 – 27
• The Equity Alliance – 2^nd Annual Black Women’s Empowerment Luncheon – July 20
• Walk Bike Nashville – Open Streets: North Nashville – July 28^th

Meet me at the polls: Vote Brandon Taylor for District 21 Metro Council.

Brandon

#TaylorMadefor21

Brandon Taylor