Brunswick is fired up! Probably the best community
conversation we have had, Brunswick was a lively crowd that wasn't afraid to
share their hopes for a better neighborhood. Brunswick is affected by a myriad of
issues; in fact, they are a microcosm of the all of the issues affecting the
entire state. Lack of jobs, affordable housing, poverty, and increasing
victimization by the for-profit prison system, and environmental violence are
not just systemic issues we face as an entire state and nation, these are the
issues that the people of Brunswick live with every day.
It was encouraging to hear the Mayor of Brunswick address
the crown on stop #10 of the Jailed for Justice Tour. He spoke about addressing
the concerns of the citizens and banning together to make improvements in the
city. During our community conversation attendees pledged to work closely with
the Mayor to get their issues addressed, such as getting the roads fixed and
addressing safety concerns. This is the type of head on problem solving that we
will need in order to build and live in the types of communities that we strive
for. Being part of that process and seeing it unfold in front of you really
gives me a sense of hope that this can spread all over the state, to every town
in Georgia.
I could see this feeling spreading throughout Brunswick
because despite facing these challenges the people of Brunswick still turned
out fired up for Moral Monday. They were fired up for a chance to try anything
that provided hope for something a better. A stronger path to justice will be built by
working hand in hand with our progressive partners within our own communities
and Brunswick is ready to make that happen! During our community conversation there were
so many great comments but one in particular stood out to me. In response to
another participants comments the man said, “These people [Moral Monday] have
brought some hope to Brunswick. They have brought the hope that if we work together
we can make something bigger happen, something bigger for justice that we
wouldn't have been able to do alone.” I would consider it a huge win if just a
few people left with that
feeling from each of our stops. 
Looking back at stop #10 in Brunswick, it was yet another
example of the power of the people. When we unite for change we are
unstoppable. Going stop to stop and seeing the excitement of my fellow
Georgians to make change happen has only cemented this to be true for me. I look
forward to seeing the continued work and positive changes that Brunswick is
making happen. We are building our future, and a better state, TOGETHER.
Jackie Rodriguez, Guest Blogger, AFSC Community Organizing Intern
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