On August 14, 2025, organizers and residents from Western Tennessee marched to the Fayette County Judicial Complex, voicing their concerns over ongoing “racist and discriminatory practices” by the county government and school board.
Protesters congregated at the original site of Tent City—the very place where black families were forced out by white landowners to register to vote in the 1960s. They then made their way to the Judicial Center, where the Fayette County Public Schools board was set to convene.
The Religion and Race Committee of Fayette County and Fayette County Teachers for Justice coordinated this march to address actions they believe perpetuate a legacy of systemic racism. They refer to historical injustices tied to the tent city era, as detailed in a release from Corr News.
Around twelve individuals participated in the march, with others gathering on the steps of the Justice Building ahead of the meeting.
Some protesters displayed signs calling for a spending boycott in Fayette County, which is set to begin on August 15. They are urging community members to refrain from shopping at all local businesses, including major stores and gas stations.
Additional signs demanded the resignation of Board of Education Chairman Warner Speakman and Eddie Keel. Protesters also requested reinstatement of demoted or fired teachers, fair governance, and a restoration of equitable district maps.
In late June, the Fayette County Commission redrew the district map, which led to a lawsuit concerning the creation of three majority black single-member districts. Although the US Department of Justice and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund were involved, the lawsuit has since been dropped following the map’s adoption. This new map will be in use for the 2026 elections.
The summer budgeting process for the district spotlighted potential staff cuts, creating tension between community members and the board, which took place under the interim leadership of Superintendent Keel.
Joseph Jordan, pastor of Spring Hill CME Church in Somerville, expressed his reasons for joining the march: his support for teachers who were demoted or dismissed after last year, including some members of his congregation. He noted that his church has district employees, and children from the community are also affected.
“If we continue to stay quiet, nothing will happen. We want to show our desire for change. Our kids deserve a better situation,” Jordan remarked.
This demonstration was conducted amid calls for increased transparency from the School Board, emphasizing the need to resolve a consent order that’s been under federal oversight since 1965 to consolidate schools.
Some board members argue that the order is no longer necessary and is draining funds from the district’s limited budget.
Tennessee’s funding model relies on student enrollment numbers, which have been steadily declining. Principal Don McPherson reported that enrollment has dropped nearly every year since 1989, with only about 2,250 students enrolled this year compared to around 2,600 the previous year. He intends to present to the board on where the students have migrated.
Speakman disclosed that an August board meeting would take place at the Judicial Center as it is more accessible to the public. A letter concerning board matters was also sent to a local representative.
During the public comment segment of the meeting, community member Charles Watkins urged the board to hold a comprehensive information session about the consent order, its merits, and disadvantages.
“You all should provide the community a formal forum far beyond what regular public meetings can offer. There are experts who can genuinely help us understand this separation order,” Watkins advised.
Information sessions for parents mandated by the consent order are scheduled for September 18 and September 22 at 7 PM.
