ARCHd

Proud Aunt moment!!! Our oldest nephew, Carson, graduated high school last night and our hearts are bursting with pride. He’s grown into such an amazing guy and we love him SO FREAKING much. He’s hilarious, kind and smart. Lindsey is ESPECIALLY thrilled because he’s heading off to her alma mater in the fall to study Cyber Security. Kristen is thrilled because she has high hopes of visiting him at the CIA or NSA one day. If you didn’t know, he’s been a part-time employee at ARCHd for the last three years. Obviously, all that bookend sanding and assisting at markets/events has fully prepared him for college and beyond.
🎓
🎓
🎓

Last week, voting rights advocate (and icon) Stacey Abrams testified before the Tennessee Senate Judiciary Committee in Nashville in opposition of the Republican (white supremacy) redraw of our state’s congressional maps that eliminates the Black-majority (and lone Democratic) district of Memphis.

During her testimony, Stacey said, “Democracy is an action — one that says I will share my power with those I disagree with because it is the only way to guarantee our common future. Backsliding into authoritarianism, where one party and one race holds dominion is unworthy of the Volunteer State. Whether by consequence or intention, it is wrong. It is unworthy of a nation that revolted when power was held by the few — a truth we celebrate 250 years hence.
Rigged maps that decide elections before a single vote is cast — and politicians who rig elections so it’s impossible for them to lose — this is not democracy. This is cowardice.”

Thank you, Stacey, for standing on the side of democracy, and on the side of Memphis!

TN is currently in a special session to strip away the voting representation of Memphis, the state’s only majority Black district. The newly proposed white supremacy maps would divide our current 9th Congressional district across THREE districts. Based on these maps, we would be shuffled into the 5th district (that would stretch three hours across the state into Williamson County, outside Nashville), spanning a region with VASTLY different priorities and needs than those of our city. We’ve always joked that we live in MEMPHIS, not Tennessee — because TN never seems to represent us, our values or those of our city. That’s never been more apparent than this week. Their racism is on full display.

Less than 10% of Shelby County residents showed up to early vote so far. Election Day for the Shelby County Primaries is TODAY, TUESDAY, May 5. Can we get a 🙋🏻‍♀️ if you early voted, voted today OR have a plan to vote today? Polls close at 7. So, be in line by then.
🙋🏾‍♀️
🙋🏽
🙋🏻‍♂️

$13 flash sale on T.S. inspired 4 oz. candles. Normally $22 each. Only while supplies last!
🫶🏻
🫶🏻
🫶🏻

Experienced our first (and definitely not last) pottery class at tonight! We learned to throw a mug on the wheel and make/attach a handle. It was hard, hilarious and relaxing all at the same time. Will absolutely 100% return for another class 🥰.
☕️
☕️
☕️