Article 1 Section 33 of the Tennessee Constitution reads: “That slavery and involuntary servitude, except as a punishment for crime, whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, are forever prohibited in this state.”  We the undersigned individuals and organizations believe that the time is long overdue for the State of Tennessee, and indeed the United States of America, to permanently abolish all forms of slavery with no exceptions.  To that end we call on the Tennessee Legislature, the Governor, and the citizens of Tennessee to amend Section 33 to henceforth read “That slavery and involuntary servitude are forever prohibited in this state.” The only moral response to slavery is abolition, and we refuse to continue to participate in this immoral order which is nothing short of a crime against humanity.

Supporters:

Children’s Defense Fund

Dawn Deaner, elected Public Defender Nashville

Gideon’s Army

Harriet Tubman House

H & S Farm

Human Rights Defense Center

Just City, Memphis

Mercy Junction,  Chattanooga

NAACP – Nashville Branch

No Exceptions Prison Collective

Open Table Nashville

Selma Center for Nonviolence, Truth & Reconciliation

Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ)

Add your name or organization in support of the #Amend33 campaign.