“They didn’t do it for nothing.”

“It feels amazing to take the journey that so many folks before us took, but also being able to share space with so many luminaries who fought this fight before has been therapeutic,”  Batchelor told The Tennessean at the Nashville stop of the Freedom Ride for Voting Rights.. “I think it reinforces the importance of continuing that work, because they didn’t do it for nothing.”

“Enough is enough.”

In Nashville, Batchelor was joined by Tennessee State Representative and Young Elected Officials Network Member London Lamar. Speaking at the rally, Lamar warned that Tennessee is trying to “erase our history.”

“Enough is enough. I stand on the shoulders of leaders. Of the Freedom Riders who were sitting right here. And I cannot in good faith stand in this role as a young Black woman and  not continue to build on the legacy and the sacrifices they made. So every day I step in that state Capitol right there, I make sure I unapologetically I stand up for my people.”

“I want to stand up to make sure this country and this state are making laws to create justice for all people. I owe them that,” said Lamar.

The energy this bus ride is organizing across the country won’t dissipate anytime soon. “We’re going to bring this fire back to D.C.,” said Batchelor.