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The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
To christen their brand-new campus chapter, Turning Point USA hosted an event at University of Tennessee Chattanooga (UTC) on Tuesday, Nov. 18 featuring women’s rights activist Riley Gaines who addressed a full house on her message of “The Mission We Carry Forward”.
According to event organizers, the crowd of over 250 attendees filled the venue in under 10 minutes, and more than 200 people had to be turned away as the space reached maximum capacity.
Gaines spoke to the audience about faith, courage, defending truth in today’s culture, and how the mission sparked by Charlie Kirk continues moving forward.
Speaking about her relationship with Charlie Kirk, Gaines said, “I knew nothing, I mean I was terrified of public speaking, but he took a chance on me. And I believe that that belief that he had in me, it was almost like a transfer of confidence, so eternally grateful to him for that.”
One attendee said she felt gatherings like this are necessary because, “I’m fearful for the next civil war- the left versus the right. And we’re taking a stand. It’s time to get our country back.”
TPUSA Volunteer Chair at UTC Luke Jones reiterated the importance of TPUSA’s mission and the need to keep speaking out on important issues.
“We believe in a lot of things that are what our Founding Fathers fought for. And I feel like we’re losing that in today’s world. And I feel like Turning Point is fighting for those reasons,” Jones said.
And Sophie Fuller, UTC TPUSA Chapter President, said the momentum of the club has been powerful and that it was, “amazing to have Riley Gaines as our first speaker. It was awesome, and we are so excited to get this started and get people ignited on our campus.”
The success of Tuesday’s event, which was the first official TPUSA program held on campus since the chapter’s approval in October, was especially sweet for members after students struggled with the UTC Student Government Association (SGA) which denied their petition to launch the organization.
The SGA was ultimately overruled by the Dean of Student’s Office, sparking further protest and backlash from those who claimed they would feel “unsafe” with a TPUSA presence on campus and felt school leadership was disregarding the wishes of a “majority” of UTC students.
Gaines made headlines again recently when she announced she was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Sumner County Library board, sparking critique and protest from Democrats and some Republicans who think her appointment was “thoughtless and politically motivated.”
“If you want to see change, don’t wait for someone else to make it happen. Step up and be that change yourself,” Gaines said of her appointment, a message consistent with her “Mission We Carry Forward” platform which continues to resonate with young conservatives across the state.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
