News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP has a property it can call home and start expanding its work.
President Thomas Savage said they will be moving into the old Putnam County labor temple on Whitney Avenue. Savage said having an office opens the door to start conversations and meet in a formal location with like-minded organizations.
“We also endeavor to be a pillar in the community,” Savage said. “And to be an organization where people can come to us and say, ‘Hey I’m wanting to do the right thing, can you give me some information, can you help me out?'”
Savage said that without an office, people were stuck trying to contact the NAACP by email or hold informal meetings at various locations. Savage said they can begin operating out of the office when the national NAACP sends word that it is safe to meet in-person because of the pandemic.
“Now we can have an office where people can come in and talk and have privacy and we can hear what they have to say,” Savage said. “We can make a determination on what it is they’re talking about, if we should get involved on something. It will create a revolving door situation, where people can come in and air their complaints or be lifted up when it comes to social justice and get answers about their civil rights.”
Savage said he looks forward to having an open door to begin conversations with groups who might not share the same core values. Savage said this is a big step forward to show representation in the community and raise accessibility for anyone who wants to contact the Cookeville-Putnam County NAACP.
