Written By JR Robinson

Congressman Brendan Boyle and Memphis organizers gathered for a robust town hall, hosted by Tiffany Mishè, Executive Director of The Multicultural Progressive South, to examine how the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill will affect students, families, businesses, and nonprofits in the Mid-South—and how local leaders can respond.

Memphis recently became a focal point for civic action and strategic dialogue during a dynamic town hall dedicated to the sweeping federal legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. The event was hosted by Tiffany Mishè, Executive Director of The Multicultural Progressive South, an organization that amplifies diverse voices and drives collaborative solutions in the Mid-South. Notably, The Multicultural Progressive South serves as a fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) organization of the Social Good Fund and as a Tennessee chapter of Indivisible, a national grassroots network.

This impactful town hall was made possible through the co-sponsorship of Indivisible, Indivisible Philadelphia, and The Multicultural Progressive South, reflecting a spirit of cross-regional partnership and community empowerment.

A Diverse Gathering Tackles Tough Questions

From the start, the event set out to go beyond surface-level discussion. Community leaders and concerned citizens joined in, motivated by urgent questions about the bill’s real-world implications:

• Who is most affected by new work requirements and benefit cuts, and how will Tennessee respond to protect its most vulnerable?

• Are increasing federal contract opportunities truly accessible to Memphis small businesses and local contractors, or will most funds bypass the local workforce?

• Do new Pell Grant restrictions threaten college accessibility for working and part-time students, effectively narrowing pathways to prosperity?

• If the federal safety net continues to shrink, will Memphis’s nonprofits be able to fill the growing gaps in essentials such as food, housing, and healthcare?

Congressman Boyle’s Expertise Informs the Conversation

Congressman Boyle provided a detailed, section-by-section breakdown of the legislation’s mechanics, ensuring all voices in the room had the information needed to shape meaningful advocacy and local response. He contextualized the legislation’s impact on working Americans, especially the way people transition between employer insurance and government programs like Medicaid, often facing instability and gaps in care. Boyle further explained that while some relief could come through future amendments—specifically regarding healthcare premiums—lasting solutions would require sustained community involvement and pressure.

Local Voices Take Action

Led by the structure of the event, attendees didn’t just listen—they participated. In small group circles, residents and leaders dissected each section of the bill, raised concerns unique to Memphis classrooms and workplaces, and brainstormed questions for Congressman Boyle’s Q&A. This interactive approach amplified the range of voices and talents present, ensuring that nonprofits, business owners, parents, college students, and journalists all contributed perspectives shaped by their daily experiences.

The discussions soon turned toward action: If food assistance is cut, how can nonprofits create cooperative funding solutions? Should business leaders unite to advocate for fair access to federal contracts? Can Memphis’s education community organize to protect Pell Grant accessibility for local students?

A Launchpad for Community Mobilization

As the event concluded, participants left not only more informed but also galvanized to mobilize. Congressman Boyle emphasized that real solutions take root when local leaders refuse to remain passive—by remaining vigilant, forging new collaborations, and speaking out in unified voices. Tiffany Mishè, representing The Multicultural Progressive South, reminded attendees that inclusive civic engagement starts with open doors and shared responsibility—each organization and individual holds a piece of the broader solution.

For Memphis, this town hall wasn’t a one-time discussion. It created new momentum for advocacy, mutual aid, and policy analysis, with nonprofits like Multicultural Progressive South resolving to keep these conversations going and expand outreach to every corner of the community.

Moving Forward Together

The road ahead may be difficult as the effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill unfold, but Memphis is showing how a community can respond—by asking tough questions, sharing resources, and using local expertise to meaningfully influence both state and national decision-makers. Through the leadership of The Multicultural Progressive South and events like this town hall, Memphians are building the foundation for a locally-driven, resilient response—ensuring voices from every background are heard as policy is debated and implemented.

From classrooms to boardrooms, grassroots communities to government offices, Memphis is ready to protect its future—together.

Written By JR Robinson

Congressman Brendan Boyle and Memphis organizers gathered for a robust town hall, hosted by Tiffany Mishè, Executive Director of The Multicultural Progressive South, to examine how the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill will affect students, families, businesses, and nonprofits in the Mid-South—and how local leaders can respond.

Memphis recently became a focal point for civic action and strategic dialogue during a dynamic town hall dedicated to the sweeping federal legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. The event was hosted by Tiffany Mishè, Executive Director of The Multicultural Progressive South, an organization that amplifies diverse voices and drives collaborative solutions in the Mid-South. Notably, The Multicultural Progressive South serves as a fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) organization of the Social Good Fund and as Tennessee’s official chapter of Indivisible, a national grassroots network.

This impactful town hall was made possible through the co-sponsorship of Indivisible, Indivisible Philadelphia, and The Multicultural Progressive South, reflecting a spirit of cross-regional partnership and community empowerment.

A Diverse Gathering Tackles Tough Questions

From the start, the event set out to go beyond surface-level discussion. Community leaders and concerned citizens joined in, motivated by urgent questions about the bill’s real-world implications:

• Who is most affected by new work requirements and benefit cuts, and how will Tennessee respond to protect its most vulnerable?

• Are increasing federal contract opportunities truly accessible to Memphis small businesses and local contractors, or will most funds bypass the local workforce?

• Do new Pell Grant restrictions threaten college accessibility for working and part-time students, effectively narrowing pathways to prosperity?

• If the federal safety net continues to shrink, will Memphis’s nonprofits be able to fill the growing gaps in essentials such as food, housing, and healthcare?

Congressman Boyle’s Expertise Informs the Conversation

Congressman Boyle provided a detailed, section-by-section breakdown of the legislation’s mechanics, ensuring all voices in the room had the information needed to shape meaningful advocacy and local response. He contextualized the legislation’s impact on working Americans, especially the way people transition between employer insurance and government programs like Medicaid, often facing instability and gaps in care. Boyle further explained that while some relief could come through future amendments—specifically regarding healthcare premiums—lasting solutions would require sustained community involvement and pressure.

Local Voices Take Action

Led by the structure of the event, attendees didn’t just listen—they participated. In small group circles, residents and leaders dissected each section of the bill, raised concerns unique to Memphis classrooms and workplaces, and brainstormed questions for Congressman Boyle’s Q&A. This interactive approach amplified the range of voices and talents present, ensuring that nonprofits, business owners, parents, college students, and journalists all contributed perspectives shaped by their daily experiences.

The discussions soon turned toward action: If food assistance is cut, how can nonprofits create cooperative funding solutions? Should business leaders unite to advocate for fair access to federal contracts? Can Memphis’s education community organize to protect Pell Grant accessibility for local students?

A Launchpad for Community Mobilization

As the event concluded, participants left not only more informed but also galvanized to mobilize. Congressman Boyle emphasized that real solutions take root when local leaders refuse to remain passive—by remaining vigilant, forging new collaborations, and speaking out in unified voices. Tiffany Mishè, representing The Multicultural Progressive South, reminded attendees that inclusive civic engagement starts with open doors and shared responsibility—each organization and individual holds a piece of the broader solution.

For Memphis, this town hall wasn’t a one-time discussion. It created new momentum for advocacy, mutual aid, and policy analysis, with nonprofits like Multicultural Progressive South resolving to keep these conversations going and expand outreach to every corner of the community.

Moving Forward Together

The road ahead may be difficult as the effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill unfold, but Memphis is showing how a community can respond—by asking tough questions, sharing resources, and using local expertise to meaningfully influence both state and national decision-makers. Through the leadership of The Multicultural Progressive South and events like this town hall, Memphians are building the foundation for a locally-driven, resilient response—ensuring voices from every background are heard as policy is debated and implemented.

From classrooms to boardrooms, grassroots communities to government offices, Memphis is ready to protect its future—together.

Written By JR Robinson

Congressman Brendan Boyle and Memphis organizers gathered for a robust town hall, hosted by Tiffany Mishè, Executive Director of The Multicultural Progressive South, to examine how the sweeping One Big Beautiful Bill will affect students, families, businesses, and nonprofits in the Mid-South—and how local leaders can respond.

Memphis recently became a focal point for civic action and strategic dialogue during a dynamic town hall dedicated to the sweeping federal legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill. The event was hosted by Tiffany Mishè, Executive Director of The Multicultural Progressive South, an organization that amplifies diverse voices and drives collaborative solutions in the Mid-South. Notably, The Multicultural Progressive South serves as a fiscally sponsored 501(c)(3) organization of the Social Good Fund and as Tennessee’s official chapter of Indivisible, a national grassroots network.

This impactful town hall was made possible through the co-sponsorship of Indivisible, Indivisible Philadelphia, and The Multicultural Progressive South, reflecting a spirit of cross-regional partnership and community empowerment.

A Diverse Gathering Tackles Tough Questions

From the start, the event set out to go beyond surface-level discussion. Community leaders and concerned citizens joined in, motivated by urgent questions about the bill’s real-world implications:

• Who is most affected by new work requirements and benefit cuts, and how will Tennessee respond to protect its most vulnerable?

• Are increasing federal contract opportunities truly accessible to Memphis small businesses and local contractors, or will most funds bypass the local workforce?

• Do new Pell Grant restrictions threaten college accessibility for working and part-time students, effectively narrowing pathways to prosperity?

• If the federal safety net continues to shrink, will Memphis’s nonprofits be able to fill the growing gaps in essentials such as food, housing, and healthcare?

Congressman Boyle’s Expertise Informs the Conversation

Congressman Boyle provided a detailed, section-by-section breakdown of the legislation’s mechanics, ensuring all voices in the room had the information needed to shape meaningful advocacy and local response. He contextualized the legislation’s impact on working Americans, especially the way people transition between employer insurance and government programs like Medicaid, often facing instability and gaps in care. Boyle further explained that while some relief could come through future amendments—specifically regarding healthcare premiums—lasting solutions would require sustained community involvement and pressure.

Local Voices Take Action

Led by the structure of the event, attendees didn’t just listen—they participated. In small group circles, residents and leaders dissected each section of the bill, raised concerns unique to Memphis classrooms and workplaces, and brainstormed questions for Congressman Boyle’s Q&A. This interactive approach amplified the range of voices and talents present, ensuring that nonprofits, business owners, parents, college students, and journalists all contributed perspectives shaped by their daily experiences.

The discussions soon turned toward action: If food assistance is cut, how can nonprofits create cooperative funding solutions? Should business leaders unite to advocate for fair access to federal contracts? Can Memphis’s education community organize to protect Pell Grant accessibility for local students?

A Launchpad for Community Mobilization

As the event concluded, participants left not only more informed but also galvanized to mobilize. Congressman Boyle emphasized that real solutions take root when local leaders refuse to remain passive—by remaining vigilant, forging new collaborations, and speaking out in unified voices. Tiffany Mishè, representing The Multicultural Progressive South, reminded attendees that inclusive civic engagement starts with open doors and shared responsibility—each organization and individual holds a piece of the broader solution.

For Memphis, this town hall wasn’t a one-time discussion. It created new momentum for advocacy, mutual aid, and policy analysis, with nonprofits like Multicultural Progressive South resolving to keep these conversations going and expand outreach to every corner of the community.

Moving Forward Together

The road ahead may be difficult as the effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill unfold, but Memphis is showing how a community can respond—by asking tough questions, sharing resources, and using local expertise to meaningfully influence both state and national decision-makers. Through the leadership of The Multicultural Progressive South and events like this town hall, Memphians are building the foundation for a locally-driven, resilient response—ensuring voices from every background are heard as policy is debated and implemented.

From classrooms to boardrooms, grassroots communities to government offices, Memphis is ready to protect its future—together.