If one waits on help, it may never come. Instead of waiting for the help of officials, the Nashville creative community took it upon themselves to not only help clean up affected areas, but also collect donations of money and necessities. Raising more than $3000 they were able to team up with Soft Hands Pizza with Creators Food Truck for Nashville Tornado Relief. Providing relief victims with hot food and drinks and collecting necessities.
"Two hours after it hit, I was helping a friend get out of Germantown. The next day a group of about 15 of us headed into North Nashville, helping cut down trees, move debris and more," says Aaron Bell, known as A.B. Eastwood one of the creatives that headed the cleanup.
The next day the group doubled in size and they were able to help out the other side of Nashville by D.B. Todd.
"Nashville is important to me because this is my home. I moved here for college 10 years ago from Columbus, Ohio and the city especially North Nashville adopted me. I wanted to show my home that I care, said artist manager, Funky Tenn Squad and shoe designer (Air Clouds x Nike) creative, Justin Causey a.k.a. Causey.
"I’m born and raised in The Ville. A real native. From out East Nashville and went and graduated from pearl Cohn High, also attended TSU. I love this city and want to see a culture of people be recognized that has been stolen, reshaped and ignored by the powers that be without consideration of its people who have built this city up, said recording artist Gee Slab."
He has not only helped organize efforts after the tornado but has also help put together cleanups around Nashville for this upcoming March 28th. When asked about the future of Nashville he said, "This will make us stronger and closer as community. Can’t have a testimony without going though a test."
One of the leading ladies of Nashville and native, D'llisha Davis, creator of 2LsOnACloud and community venture Protect The Culture, found herself outside of the city during the tornado. But as soon as she was back she was able to touch down in a major way by her acts of service and ability to provide sweatshirts to those in need. Others from the likes of Black People Making Moves group and Black Business Boom tech founder, Danielle McGee made it a point to get the community not only in person but through the use of social media and digital technology.
However, the efforts do not come to a halt. There is still cleanup and things to be done to help the community as a lot of people have lost everything.
Check out a few ways you can help out here.