Devante R Hill

Let me say this plainly and tag you directly because I don’t get into subliminal messaging.



I am not the face of protest in Memphis. Never have been.

Protest has power. It has shifted history. It has forced attention in moments where silence would have killed us.

But every moment is not a protest moment.

Some moments are decision making moments.

Some moments are sit down, look power in the face, and demand something real moments.

And this is one of those moments.

If the President of the United States is coming to Memphis to sit at a table and talk about crime, why in the world would our response be to stay outside instead of stepping inside?

You cannot influence a room you refuse to enter.

And Memphis cannot afford leadership that keeps choosing the sidewalk over the table.

Let’s be honest and stop playing to the crowd for a second

Protesting right now is tone deaf.

Tone deaf to a seven year old who was robbed at gunpoint this week.

Tone deaf to the young people who were shot on Beale Street.

Tone deaf to families who are tired of candles and GoFundMe links.

Our people do not just need symbolism. They need solutions.

And solutions do not come from shouting outside. They come from negotiating inside.

Now let me be crystal clear

I disagree with Donald Trump on almost everything.

But the one place we align is this

Memphis deserves to be safe.

And if someone has the power to move federal resources, shape national priorities, and cut checks that could change conditions on the ground, then grown leadership shows up and works the moment especially when the oppressor has asked to privately come to the table.

Not because you like the man

But because you love the people.

If this was a stump rally political stunt, I would be right there protesting with you.

But this is not a rally. This is a window.

And District 9 keeps missing windows because we would rather make statements than make progress.

At some point we have to grow up politically

At some point we have to stop performing resistance and start producing results

At some point we have to choose impact over applause

Memphis does not need another viral protest. We’ve done that. I’ve done that ten years now.

Memphis needs outcomes

And outcomes happen in rooms

Not outside of them

No we don’t want ice TERRORIZING OUR STREETS
No we don’t want militarized police especially the NG

But the level of ineffectiveness at the state capitol is why we are here.

The lack of resources is why we are here.

Step into this moment with maturity instead of platforming emotions.

If by chance today you want to exercise your constitutional right to protest; here is the event that is happening. I support those who need this outlet to be seen and heard.

This morning Trump lands in Memphis.
This morning gas is up 25%.
This morning our country feels divided.
This morning families are still fighting impossible battles just to belong.

And this morning…

we answered.

I have officially qualified to appear on the ballot for U.S. Congress in Tennessee’s District 9 on the Democratic ticket.

Not just my name but your voice.
From Covington to Whitehaven… we made it to the ballot.

District 9… it’s our turn.

“Great men and woman were born for the time they are needed here most”

Devante Hill for Congress

When I think about how we truly celebrate Black History, I’m overwhelmed by the conviction we must all carry to continue creating it.

As James Baldwin so powerfully said, “The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us, and history is literally present in all that we do.”

This month, let’s do more than reflect.
Let’s move.
Let’s build.
Let’s make Black History.

I’m humbled that the brown skin of a Black boy from the 901 has been etched into the fabric of not just Memphis, but the globe. A prophetic reminder of who I was called to be and who we are still becoming.

I’m blessed to be a Black man, even in troubled times.
Happy Black History Month.

Black History Month calls us to remember that progress has always required faith in action.
We are reminded in Scripture to do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with God (Micah 6:8).
Every generation must decide whether it will simply inherit history or help shape it.
This moment calls for obedience, service, and leadership rooted in principle.