Johnny Hollman’s legacy: The Power of Solidarity
From the bustling streets of San Francisco, where the homeless find shelter beneath the freeways and towering skyscrapers, to Jackson…
From the bustling streets of San Francisco, where the homeless find shelter beneath the freeways and towering skyscrapers, to Jackson, Mississippi, where the basic human right to clean water is a luxury, my journey across America has been an eye-opener. But it was in Atlanta yesterday, that I witnessed the true potential of community solidarity.
The streets of Atlanta resonated with the chants and footsteps of hundreds, marching in memory of Johnny Hollman, an older Black gentleman who tragically lost his life at the hands of the police. The palpable energy, a mix of anger, frustration, and grief, was directed at the very institutions meant to protect us. Yet, amidst this sea of emotions, there was an undeniable spirit of cooperation and unity. Johnny’s family, his daughter, grandchildren, and the church community where he served as a Deacon, were all present, their pain echoing through the crowd.
As we approached the City Hall, the sight of hundreds standing resiliently in the scorching 100-degree heat, even as police tried to block our path, was awe-inspiring. It made me wonder: how this collective energy and solidarity was being channeled beyond protests? How were the resources, skills, and talents of these individuals being curated and pooled together and shared in a transparent, fair, and reciprocal manner?
The potential is just immense. Imagine a community where everyone’s offerings are clearly expressed, where resources are pooled together in systems that monitor risk and provide insurance buffers. Technically, we have the means to create such systems already. The challenge lies in putting it to use and bringing together this untapped potential and abundance.
After the march, as some of us lucky ones headed home and others found spots on the streets, vowing to continue the fight - I was reminded of a string game we play in Kenya and recently in San Francisco and Jackson Mississippi. It beautifully illustrates the interconnectedness of every individual and serves a guidepost for organizing resources.
I had the pleasure to meet with groups like Community Movement Builders (who helped organize the march) in Atlanta and Cooperation Jackson in Mississippi (who brought me out here) that are leading the way. They already serve as hubs, bringing communities together, pooling resources, and fostering a sense of unity and purpose. Their grassroots organizing is a testament to the power of collective action and the potential that lies within our communities.
In these challenging times, it’s essential to recognize and honor the efforts of such organizations. They remind us that when communities come together in solidarity, they can create transformative change, making them less dependent on the state and more reliant on each other.
As I continue my journey, I remain hopeful. The spirit of unity I witnessed around the family of Johnny Hollman is a beacon of hope, a testament to the immense potential that lies within our communities. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive solidarity economy.