Today we’d like to introduce you to Neal Trotter
Hi Neal, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Democratic Socialist of America’s (DSA) Memphis chapter had a police abolition branch which I was a member of. During that time we developed educational materials and graphics related to abolition including flyers, brochures, and posters. Unfortunately the chapter went defunct. Rather than folding completely I wanted to continue abolitionist work, so the chapter gave me the educational materials we made and I created a new organization, Mid-South for Abolition. I would set up a table in a public space with abolitionist materials out on display. Passersby would inquire about the materials which would lead to deep discussion about abolitionism. Eventually, I joined Memphis Food Not Bombs and now I do the same thing while serving food in public.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The biggest struggle is being able to setup a table in public with educational materials. Public spaces are challenging to come across. Many corporations and businesses own side walks and streets. Many parks are actually privately owned. Even public parks get reserved by business events which block ability to table. I have been told to leave during tabling by law enforcement on public property. I believe this was done unlawfully but did not want to risk conflict with police, which can be life threatening. I believe because of my messaging, abolishing police and prisons, law enforcement and business authorities treat me more negatively despite me simply expressing my right of free speech, expression, and assembly.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Mid-South for Abolition is an activist organization. We advocate for abolitionism, the complete abolition of police, prisons, and surveillance. Police do not provide safety. The function of the police has always been to protect the property of the rich. Prisons do not exist to deliver justice. Their purpose is to generate cheap and free labor for corporations and to enforce white supremacy. We live in a society with an increased level of surveillance. Surveillance does not exist for security. Surveillance exist to turn personal data into commodity products, eliminating privacy. Once we come to turns with this reality we can begin to create a better society.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Mid-South for Abolition works collaboratively with Memphis Food Not Bombs. Together we serve free food, drinks, hygienic products, contraceptives, and clothes. We also hold teach-ins about abolitionism. We do this every first and third Saturday of the month at Court Square Park in Downtown Memphis, 1:30pm – 3pm. We invite all to join us. Volunteer recruitment happens during these sessions. We also take donations.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://midsouth4abolition.wixsite.com/ms4a
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidS4A/
- Twitter: https://x.com/MidS4A
