07/20/2025
Last Tuesday, I (Kris) received an email from a close clergy friend. It was for a Zoom meeting that evening titled “Moral Monday Memphis and the Southern States Strategy.” I was familiar with the Moral Monday movement and the Repairers of the Breach, primarily through their outstanding work in the Poor People's Campaign. They were planning on a flagship action in Memphis with Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, along with actions across 11 Southern states!
The goal was to deliver a report highlighting the devastating impact of the Senate-amended HR-1 bill, which became law on July 4, on those who utilize and would now lose access to Medicaid and SNAP in states across the South. In FL, 178,000 people are likely to lose Medicaid, and 574,000 people would lose some or all access to SNAP. In District 17, which includes Sarasota, Charlotte, and portions of Lee County, that means 14,000 people with less or no food on their table. 11,000 of those people live in a home with children!
I was motivated to take action and excited for the opportunity to organize this action, but the next day, Michelle and I wondered if it was possible that SURE could pull it off in only a few days. It was a whirlwind from announcement and invitation to showing up in the pouring rain, but I want to express how encouraging it was to read all the emails we received from those interested (even those who couldn't come). We also want to express our gratitude to those who attended the first Moral Monday in Sarasota and the kickoff for the Moral Monday actions in the South. We are already hearing about the events across the South.
While Sarasota was able to share the letter with the District Director, sadly, our friends in Pinellas County had the door shut in their face, but not before they handed the letter to a security guard. More pictures and details will come from this but the presence and active participation of SURE, along with many other faith communities and organizations, are already making an impact! We delivered the letter, the report, and made our voice heard. Sarasota was mentioned by name, and for noting how Florida showed up in the rain! (In the last 3-4 paragraphs of the article linked above.)
Our country, our state and our county needed us to show up on Monday and we answered that call.
I always think about the first time I heard our call and response, WHO ARE WE? WE ARE SURE! but after Monday, I felt like I wanted to shout, WE ARE SURE AND WE SHOW UP!
