The South Is Ground Zero for the Right's Attack on Black America | Opinion

In America, the year 2021 brings about numerous challenges, from rising costs and political instability to inequality, racism, war, and environmental concerns. However, within the Southern United States, these problems are especially severe and visible for communities of color. It is crucial to give this issue the attention it requires, particularly under the administration of President Donald Trump, as conditions are likely to deteriorate before they improve.

Cities throughout the South experience similar political, physical, and environmental assaults, but Memphis, Tennessee, stands out as ground zero for the far right's deliberate and targeted attack on Black and Brown communities.

Three critical areas warrant our focus and action: political freedoms, physical safety, and public health. Politically, the most significant attack on freedom since the Voting Rights Act was signed into law has taken place. The Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision has effectively dismantled the Voting Rights Act, leading Southern state legislatures to engage in gerrymandering to dilute the impact of majority-minority districts.

Tennessee Republicans have even eliminated Tennessee's one Democratic, Black-majority congressional district, exhibiting a disturbing history of silencing Black voices and votes. The First Amendment's survival hangs in the balance.

Physical safety is also a significant concern in Memphis and Tennessee. Multiple fatal shootings by the Memphis Safe Task Force, which includes ICE and the Tennessee National Guard, have occurred this summer. These incidents are alarming and demand national attention but have been largely overlooked. The task force, which was formed at the request of Governor Bill Lee to bolster his political standing after a term limit, does not appear necessary as crime rates had already been decreasing prior to its implementation.

The true purpose of the task force seems to be targeting immigrant residents and contributing positively to the economy. In response to killings of two Black men in Tennessee, the NAACP has called for the suspension of the task force and a thorough and transparent investigation conducted by the Department of Justice. It is crucial that Black lives be protected and the Constitution upheld.

Lastly, human health is being jeopardized, primarily by unregulated data centers operated by Elon Musk's xAI. Air pollutants from these facilities are disproportionately affecting Black communities, which are already experiencing higher rates of lung disease. The misinformation from xAI regarding the number of unpermitted turbines is also misleading, with the actual number being roughly double their admitted count.

To address this issue, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has called for a suspension of the Memphis Safe Task Force and a thorough investigation by the Department of Justice.