Déjame en Paz: A Response to Hate in Chattanooga
For those who are reading from outside of Chattanooga, TN, there has been a recent event that sparked outrage amongst our community. On January 27th, the local branch of the KKK distributed thousands of anti-immigrant and blatantly racist leaflets encouraging self-deportation. These pamphlets were spread around the city and left on doorsteps; some of these placements were targeted, some were random. This act of hatred has ignited an outcry of anger, sparking discussions about the deep-seated racism that continues to fester in our society.
Hate does not exist in a vacuum—it lives where ignorance is left unchallenged and thrives when opposition remains silent. Hate often distorts our reality and gives a jaded, twisted perspective that leaves more questions than answsers. If there is such deep resentment toward Mexican culture, why does it continue to flourish in the very America that claims to reject it? The truth from this distortion is how our cultures are deeply intertwined. From food to music, fashion to language, Mexican influence is woven into the fabric of daily American life. The struggle for unity is not about erasing identities or dismissing contributions but about embracing the richness that each culture brings to the tapestry of our city.
Coexistence is not a passive state. It is an ongoing commitment that demands effort, compassion, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It requires us to listen with open minds, to unlearn prejudices, and to actively engage with perspectives different from our own. True coexistence is not about tolerating differences from a distance but embracing them as fundamental to the richness of our shared experience. To build a society where respect and inclusion prevail, we must move beyond mere acknowledgment of diversity and toward genuine understanding. This means challenging systemic inequalities, speaking out against discrimination, and fostering spaces where every culture is valued—not just for what it contributes aesthetically or commercially, but for its history, struggles, and significance.
Our city is one that triumphs the beauty in blending. We have blended a bustling city with nationally recognized outdoor beauty, our architecture is a mix of the old Victorian facades, new brutalist edges, and everything in between. We find ways to incorporate art via giant murals in a concrete landscape that is void of vibrancy. We have a thriving community of people from all walks of life, all living and contributing to this pulsing scenic city.
To those who witnessed this hatred in our community, I urge you to make your voices known. Continue to gather, speak out, and champion your neighbors. Our voice of love, compassion, and justice will drown the unwelcome dredge of hatred that unfortunately festers in the streets. I urge you—do not remain silent. Speak out, take action, and stand firmly beside your neighbors. Amplify the voices of those that have been wronged, and use your platforms to challenge this. I’d urge everyone to look to Chatt based organizations like Semillas TN, and La Paz Chattanooga who are uplifting and educating the community. Hate thrives in silence, but together, we can drown out its presence and replace it with a chorus of unity, resilience, and unwavering solidarity.
To the Chattanooga branch of the KKK, and those who harbor hatred in our beloved city and country, take a moment to reflect on the irony in your daily life. As you enjoy Taco-Bell, dip your store bought chips in queso, as you blast Bad Bunny, or compliment your friend on her “Brownie Glazed Lip Look,” know that these little pieces of culture have roots in the hard work and contributions of people you often overlook. Instead look to Chattanooga’s Hispanic Heritage Festival and our local Hispanic owned restaurants like Mayan Kitchen, Mezcla Cocina Y Cantina, and LA SANTA that are serving recipes that highlight the traditions behind the food, and take a shopping trip to Mexican grocery stores like Super Carniceria Loa #6 to see the vibrant and true culture that you have taken for granted. The traditions you claim as your own were built by those you dismiss. Our culture is here, deeply intertwined with the life you know, and we will continue to thrive.
La Paz Chattanooga
“La Paz Chattanooga is the leading organization promoting inclusion of the Hispanic and Latino community in Southeast Tennessee.
Since opening our doors in 2004, we have worked to build and establish trust with Chattanooga's diverse Latino demographic through programs and services created to empower and engage our community.” https://www.lapazchattanooga.org/
Semillas TN
“Semillas TN is the only grassroots community organization in Chattanooga founded by Latinx immigrants. Spearheaded by ordinary working-class Black and Brown folks, our mission is to organize, mobilize, build power, and transform the city we call home through the power of education.” https://www.semillastn.org/
Strike Out,
Isabella Preston, Copy Editor