News

YOU’RE INVITED! MBRU’s hosting a block party to celebrate the return of bus service on the North side of the former 31 Crosstown. On August 5th, we’ll be at the New Chicago CDC (1036 Firestone Ave) from 12 to 3 PM! Join us for food, music, and community as we celebrate new bus service from CHS to Manassas, improving our access to grocery stores, health care, jobs, family and education! Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/115293805761520/

We also got some more coverage of our victory in the Memphis Daily News! “We’re pleased that MATA has decided to restore part of the route,” said Justin Davis, secretary of the Memphis Bus Riders Union and organizing coordinator for the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. “For us, it is very significant – not just for the bus riders in the city in general but also for the New Chicago neighborhood, considering that they have not had bus service that actually went into the neighborhood for several years now.” View the full article here:https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2017/jul/8/mata-eyes-greener-future-prepares-for-upcoming-service-changes/

MBRU has a general meeting coming up this Saturday, July 8, from 12-2 PM at the Cossitt Library, 33 S. Front Street! We’ll be updating our members on our recent progress with the 31 campaign and discussing our plans for the summer. You can access the Cossitt Library on the #4, 12, 13, or 39 bus.

Organizing Coordinator Justin Davis also spoke to the Memphis Flyer last week about the partial restoration of the 31 Crosstown! “It’s not only a big victory for residents of New Chicago, but for bus riders and supporters throughout Memphis who have been fighting for this important route since last year,” Davis said. “At the same time, we will continue to push for a fully-funded 31 that has greater frequency, covers more of the service day, and serves South Memphis, especially Riverside.” 

Click here for the full article: https://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2017/06/28/mata-board-approves-new-version-of-31-crosstown-route

It is that time of year again where we celebrate our country’s freedom -the 4th of July. However, some are not free and they don’ t have someone to celebrate with. For this reason, H.O.P.E. will be having a 4th of July barbeque for the homeless and the community. We are in need of supplies, like hot dogs, bottle water, accessories, napkins,plates, etc.

If you would like to donate supplies, monetary contributions, or volunteer to help out that day, please contact Tamara Hendrix by email at tamara@midsouthpeace.org or by cell phone (901) 254-5964. If you would like to help in planning, we will discuss the picnic at the H.O.P.E. meeting today at 2:30. Also you may drop your donations off at the MSPJC at 3573 southern 9:00-5:00, please call first 901-725-4990.

Please help us make this Independence Day special for someone who is less fortunate.

Yesterday, the MATA Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to partially restore the 31 Crosstown as the 31 Firestone! This is a victory for riders, especially the New Chicago community–who will see bus service within their neighborhood for the first time in three years. When you get together and work for something, you will see results. We will continue to push for the full restoration of our 31!

Co-chair Cynthia Bailey and Organizing Coordinator Justin Davis also spoke to a group of high school students at GRAD Academy Memphis about who we are and our work as a Bus Riders Union. GRAD Academy is currently hosting a Summer Institute: a free college experience with professors focused on social justice, self-empowerment, and literacy. Special thanks to the teachers and young people for welcoming us!

Finally, MBRU has a general meeting coming up on July 8, from 12-2 PM at the Cossitt Library, 33 S. Front Street! You can also get there on the #4, 12, 13, or 39 bus.

The Mid-South Peace & Justice Center is now starting donation-based screen printing training experiences that are open to the public and fun for individuals or small groups looking to learn a new skill or hobby while also giving back! These donation-based trainings will provide the needed funds to host *free* screen printing trainings for people experiencing of homelessness. Please contact us today to setup your private or group training with Streetwise Ink streetwise@midsouthpeace.org

“WE WANT SHELBY COUNTY TO TAKE THE FOLLOWING ACTION:

1. Immediately take back Shelby County’s request for the U.S. Department of Justice to end its federal monitoring of Shelby County Juvenile Court.

2. Strengthen the community oversight group and seek input from the broader community on ending the court’s discrimination against black children.

3. Appoint a new county settlement agreement manager (to replace the manager who recently retired) who will report progress directly to the Shelby County Commission.

4. Continue to monitor and collect data as required in the original agreement with the DOJ. Publish the data in an easily accessible and understandable format.”

Read the full campaign and signt the petition here.

Show up and show out for increased bus service at MATA’s upcoming board meeting! On Tuesday, June 27 at 3:30 PM, the MATA board will be voting on upcoming service changes, including the new 31 Firestone route that will serve North Memphis and Midtown. Come out and speak in favor of the 31 Firestone, which brings MBRU closer to obtaining our goal of reinstating the full 31 Crosstown Route! Board meetings are held at MATA Headquarters, 1370 Levee Rd.

After working on your skills at the GOT POWER training, come party with us at the annual Juneteenth celebration! MBRU will also be co-sponsoring United Campus Workers’ Juneteenth Celebration this Saturday, June 24 from 5-8 PM. Come down to the IBEW Union Hall at 1870 Madison Ave. for food, fellowship, and music with our friends and community partners!

We’re coming together to celebrate the defeat of slavery–the greatest human and economic rights victory in this country’s history!
Food, fellowship and music! Bring a side dish & BYOB.

With special guest speaker Ashley Henderson, co-director of the Highlander Center, and leader in the Movement for Black Lives. 

Want to learn more about Juneteenth? http://www.pbs.org/wnet/african-americans-many-rivers-to-cross/history/what-is-juneteenth/
Contact UCW organizer Jayanni if your organization or group would be interested in co-sponsorship!jayanni@ucw-cwa.org

Children are welcome and childcare will be provided by Memphis Advocates for Radical Childcare.