On December 14, the Federation lost Tyree ‘Ty’ Hall, an organizer known for her humble leadership and unshakable commitment to her own liberation and the freedom of all working people across race.
Before joining Guilford for All, Ty was a school bus driver new to North Carolina. She liked her neighborhood but felt disconnected until a member of G4A knocked on her door. They invited her to join the “Safe Streets,” a fight to get Greensboro to finally pick up the bulk trash in Ole Asheboro. Ty said “yes” and became one of our most active members.
Earlier this year, I asked Ty why she decided to join G4A. She told me in a voice note:
"The Carolina Federation gave me an opportunity that I needed. I’m used to fighting. I’ve always fought. I’ve fought employers single-handedly. But this was an opportunity to join hundreds of neighbors in the fight that would have the same shared vision as me, who want better for their neighborhood just like I do. That was an opportunity I found nowhere else. No one else was offering an opportunity to make such an impact. "
This year, the assaults we’ve faced—on our healthcare, public schools, immigrant and trans neighbors, and Democracy itself—have been disastrous. The grief and anger over the premature loss of our comrades, Ty and Tosha, runs deep. Their deaths, and much of the immense suffering around the world, are linked to systemic racism, poverty, violence, and chaos that our opponents perpetuate for their own profit and power.
In the face of all this, it is tempting to disconnect. Instead, I see the staff and members of the Carolina Federation following the example of Ty and Tosha: turning toward each other and saying “yes” to the chance to stop feeling and fighting alone. We say “yes” to organizing that breaks isolation and fear, awakening agency in community. We recommit to strategic action, meeting people where they are and building collective power for a brighter tomorrow. This is what Democracy looks like.
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