Wherever I go in the state, one of the first things I look for walking into an event is the man in the green hat. And I’m rarely disappointed. I don't know how Kent Minault does it. He's as likely to show up in Memphis, like he did last Thursday, as he is in Hawkins County coordinating with CareNET members around data centers. Redistricting protests at the Capitol? He's there too. When a new member comes in from East Tennessee, or anywhere, one of their first points of contact is often Kent, getting them oriented and guided into our work. Then there's the door-to-door canvassing and political organizing he does in local neighborhoods, parks, and events on top of all that.
I recently rewatched the film The Prestige, and there's a moment where you find out the magician's incredible trick of being two places at once only works because his twin brother has been secretly helping pull it off the whole time. Honestly, it makes me wonder if Kent has a twin out there somewhere.
Want to know about his upcoming balcony solar installation with KUB? Curious who the Harvey Broome Group endorsed in county elections? Kent will bring you up to speed on the spot. But he’s also willing to share the mic. At last Thursday's TVA listening session, Kent gave up his own speaking slot so a Sierra Club Illinois member Joyce Blumenshine, could use it instead. Joyce had driven from southern Illinois to ask the board to delay its vote on divesting TVA's federally-owned mineral rights at the Sugar Camp minein her community — Kent had already carpooled seven hours in his EV to be there, and he handed her the mic anyway. Read Joyce's story here. Kent's been an incredible partner in this role — showing up every day with enthusiasm, positivity, and humor, even given the size of the challenges we're facing.
Thank you, Kent.