GRITS

Make our internet LOCAL

Aftyn and Anna are joined by April Jarocki, the coordinator with the Southern Connected Communities Project, who along with members of the Clearfork Valley, built their own internet by establishing a wireless internet system at the Highlander Research and Education Center in Jefferson County, Tennessee. April highlights the role of the pandemic in exacerbating the digital divide and discusses what broadband justice looks like to her community. Donate to SCCP by clicking here! #BroadbandGritty

The New Old South

Tressie McMillan Cottom in her piece examines the evolving Southern identity in the context of popular culture, the ebb and flow of "disdain and attraction" to the region. Aftyn and Anna address their own prodigal returns to the South post-college, and how they've navigated public opinion of the South in their professional capacities. 🍍BONUS 🍍Aftyn gives a dramatic reading of an interaction between Toby Keith and Kris Kristofferson. #NewSouthGritty Nanny MeMaw, Arkansas viral TikTok star Rolling Stone excerpt about Willie's 70th birthday party Willie Jones, Louisiana country music star GRITS is part of The Tennessee Holler Podcast Network. Visit tnholler.com to keep up with The Tennessee Holler's relentless coverage that seeks to lift up progressive voices and shine a light on injustices throughout Tennessee.

Mama B's "Red State, Blue Mom"

Some of you have been asking where is the infamous GRITS' travel correspondent, Mama B... well, she has launched her own podcast called "Red State, Blue Mom"! For this week's episode, we invite you to listen to the 2021 inaugural episode and subscribe!  Grits is part of The TN Holler Podcast Network. Visit www.tnholler.com to keep up with The Tennessee Holler's relentless coverage that seeks to lift up progressive voices and shine a light on injustices throughout Tennessee.

Student Debt Showdown

With US student debt reaching $1.7 TRILLION, the girls deliver the state of play on student loans: what amount of relief Biden is considering; racial disparities in borrowing; and how privilege takes center stage in the debate whether to cancel it all. #StudentDebtGritty 🍍LINKS 🍍 Run down of the imminent congressional showdown Biden signals new era with Secretary of Education pick COVID relief and student debt Why Biden should forgive student loans

Insurrection GRITS

New year, new… WTF. Aftyn and Anna are back for season 4 in the wake of the pro-Trump QAnon furry hat wearing insurrection identifying the Tennessee culprits and grappling with how to humanize those involved. BONUS: tips on how to talk to your people who believe in conspiracy theories LINKS Sign this petition to take down Steve Berger, Gov. Lee’s extremist pastor at Grace Chapel How to speak to people who believe in conspiracy theories Republican Attorney Generals launch robocalls Rep. Terri Lynn Weaver’s Tennessean patriot profile