by Jennie Gritton
Chattanooga News Writer
CHATTANOOGA - Anyone familiar with Chattanooga ’s Summers should know about the annual Nightfall concert series. Nightfall has become a popular local event, offering at least two live bands every Friday night from the end of May through September in Miller Plaza.
Admission is free, and all ages are welcome. Because the event draws a very diverse crowd, United for Democracy and Justice saw this as a great opportunity to have a good time and provide passers-by with literature and information. They plan to set up a small table across the street and in plain view at the entrance to Miller Park.
Numerous other organizations have provided literature for the table, including the Green Party, RESULTS, School of the Americas Watch (SOAW), Union of Concerned Scientists, Project Censored, Act Now to End War and Racism (ANSWER) and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).
“The United for Democracy and Justice (U4DJ) table is unique in that it provides a central distribution point for literature covering a range of progressive and social issues of importance to Chattanoogans. We don't endorse any particular candidate or party but rather a broad progressive agenda. At the same time, we can socialize and enjoy stimulating conversation in the relaxed context of Nightfall. Good music, good discussion, good beer – you can't beat that for a great Friday evening!” states Joy Day, a U4DJ member. “Last year the table hosted a voter registration booth that regularly registered about 10-20 voters each Friday evening.”
Anyone is welcome to bring literature as long as it is progressive. Many people approach the table just out of curiosity and normally take at least a pamphlet or two. To avoid being disruptive, the people staffing the table do not try to vocally lure anyone. Instead, they allow interested people to approach them, which has proven to be more effective when in such a diverse crowd.
If you are ever in Chattanooga on a Friday night, please stop by Nightfall and the table.
All you have to do is bring your own chair!
