I Had To See How Progressive In The South Are Dealing With The New Regime

Walking down Peachtree Street in Atlanta is always a surreal experience for me. On this particular day, my steps felt heavier, my thoughts more vivid. Passing by what used to be my shared apartment with my ex, I experienced an eerily out-of-body moment. It transported me back to my early 20s, when I was writing my first album, Sneak Preview. Atlanta wasn’t just the backdrop to my music; it was my crucible—a city that shaped me as I navigated love, heartbreak, and ambition. To walk these old streets again, years and lifetimes later, left me reflective. And as it often does, Atlanta reminded me that it remains a city of profound transformation—personal, cultural, and political.

The Bayard Rustin Audre Lorde Breakfast and Atlanta’s Black Queer Resilience

One of the most poignant moments of my trip was attending the 25th annual Bayard Rustin Audre Lorde Breakfast. This gathering isn’t just an event; it’s a homecoming, a locus of joy and unity for Atlanta’s Black queer community. I first participated in the breakfast years ago, and being part of it again brought a flood of emotions.

The breakfast is both a celebration and a moment of communion before marching in Atlanta’s annual Martin Luther King Day parade. Familiar faces greeted me warmly as we shared stories over coffee, reflecting on the shared struggles and victories our community has faced. The space buzzed with a palpable energy—one that’s rooted in resilience and an understanding of progress as an intersectional effort.

During the event, I was struck by the richness of collective history in that room. These weren’t just activists but everyday people committed to change and legacy building. That clarity, that steadfastness in community, reminded me why Atlanta has always been at the forefront of social justice—a beacon of southern progressivism battling against the backdrop of Trump’s divisive second term.

Southern Progressivism in a Trump-Era Landscape

Make no mistake about it—progressivism in Atlanta is a labor of love carried out under immense pressure. Trump’s second term amplified a national tone of divisiveness and regression, but Atlanta’s grassroots energy stood in defiance. This city wears its politics on its sleeve as proudly as it celebrates its rich cultural heritage.

Southern progressivism here isn’t just about marches or protest slogans; it’s about intersectionality. It’s about people working to ensure no voice is left out of the conversation—whether that’s in Black LGBTQ+ spaces, immigrant food co-ops, or women-led housing initiatives.

During the MLK Day march, Atlanta's spirit was on full display. I saw banners demanding better civil rights protections, signs advocating for trans equality, and folks shouting for affordable housing and healthcare reform. The atmosphere wasn’t just charged; it was infectious. It underscored that progressivism here is fueled by a deep understanding that social justice is about collective survival, especially in the face of systemic oppression. It's powered as much by hope as it is frustration.

This communal effort gets results in other ways, too. Local leaders like Stacey Abrams set precedents for inclusive politics, while others rally resources to help marginalized communities access civic power. It’s a blueprint other southern states could emulate—a reminder that progressivism in red states is both necessary and possible.

Social Justice Rooted in Legacy

One recurring theme throughout my trip was Atlanta’s commitment to nurturing the legacy of those who have fought for equality. Whether it’s the teachings of Dr. King, the rallying cry of Bayard Rustin, or the poetry of Audre Lorde, Atlanta weaves its heroes’ lessons into actionable efforts.

Headlines may focus on congressional gridlock or high-profile Twitter debates, but community-based initiatives in Atlanta are quietly rewriting the rules. Local activists are creating housing programs for LGBTQ+ youth, decriminalizing marijuana to lower incarceration rates, and funding education programs tailored to underserved neighborhoods.

Perhaps the city's most defining feature is this indomitable spirit. Southern progressivism isn’t just theory or political platforming—it’s deeply rooted in practice, in day-to-day work that transforms lives one initiative at a time.

Atlanta’s Impact on My Journey

On a deeply personal level, this recent trip reminded me how much Atlanta means to my identity as both an artist and an activist. It’s where I found my voice. When I wrote “Exclusively” on Sneak Preview, I wasn’t just talking about romance. I was exploring my intersections—being queer, Black, and Southern—and fighting to carve a space for those like me in industries that didn’t always listen.

Returning to Atlanta was like tracing the steps of my younger self, but this time, with gratitude for how far I’ve come. The sidewalks of Peachtree Street seemed to whisper reminders of past struggles and triumphs. It’s funny how much growth you can measure when all the old wounds don’t feel as sharp anymore.

I also couldn’t help but reflect on how Icon City—a media platform I co-founded—can amplify the kinds of stories I encountered while in Atlanta. We have a unique opportunity to highlight the work of progressive groups fighting uphill battles. And isn’t that the purpose of platforms like ours? To give people the tools and visibility they need to thrive?

Atlanta doesn’t just reflect the possibility of change; it constantly demands it. Whether it’s the Black queer community fostering belonging at events like the Bayard Rustin Audre Lorde Breakfast or the bold activists marching down Auburn Avenue, the city shows us that progressivism in the South is alive and well.

This trip wasn’t just a reunion with the city I love; it was a reaffirmation. A reminder that, even in politically turbulent times, the work doesn’t stop. The same streets that inspired my music all those years ago are now inspiring new movements for justice and equality.

If southern progressivism stands as a testament to anything, it’s that community changes everything—and Atlanta remains at its heart.