(Article contributed by Marilyn Moore)
When a community stands together, it can shake the walls of power. And when communities across a state unite, they can change the course of history.
Since the town hall in Charleston, concerned citizens have worked tirelessly—digging for the truth, uncovering documents, asking hard questions, and demanding accountability. We brought those facts to light. We carried them to the Board of Corrections and the legislature. We gave our time, our money, our sleep, and our peace. All for the greater good.
And it mattered.
For now, a $750 million appropriations bill for the proposed Franklin County mega-prison has stalled in the Arkansas Senate. Senate President Pro Tempore Bart Hester, a supporter of the prison, said today that he does not plan to hold another vote on the bill this session—unless he has enough votes.
Let that sink in: it didn’t have the votes. Because enough senators stood firm. Because thousands of people called, emailed, and showed up. Because we did not give up.
As one of the founding members of the Franklin County and River Valley Coalition, I couldn’t be more proud of my community today—of my neighbors, and of every single person who done the hard work, sent an email, made a call, and raised their voice. This fight is far from over, but I’m especially proud of the senators who stood with courage and conviction. Additionally, for the press who helped us get out our message. For everyone’s effort, heart, and determination—I’m deeply grateful.
This is a moment to breathe—and a reminder that people power works. Let’s keep standing. For our communities. For our neighbors. For the future of our great state.
