#WeAreSouthQueens -Tunisia Morrison
About Tunisia
Tunisia Morrison is an accomplished External Affairs and Government Community Relations Specialist known for her expertise in community development, capacity building, and political strategies. She is also the co-founder of the nonprofit organization "The Voice of Youth Changes Everything Incorporated." Currently, Tunisia leads the programming for the "Check on Your Black Friends" initiative, organizing the Juneteenth in Queens Fest Community Festival held at Roy Wilkins Park. Recently, she took on a role as a board member of the King Manor Museum. Tunisia's connection with King Manor began through her upbringing in Southeast Queens, where she frequently passed the historic site in Rufus King Park. As she got involved in the community and developed connections through her work, she became instrumental in advocating for park improvements, including the creation of a dog running area. Her dedication caught the attention of the Museum, and she was invited to join the board, contributing her expertise and passion for community engagement to the Museum's mission.
What is a typical day like for you?
“The days differ. I became a person that tries to schedule sending emails at 8:00pm so that by 9:00am I don’t have too much work to do. It doesn’t always happen the way I want it to. A typical day could include walking my dog around 8:30am to 11am, but some days can become utter chaos depending on what the day might bring and what my focus might have to be. Between January and June, many of those days are focused on fundraising. That spills into an entire year of calling and trying to get support for the work the Voice is doing . . .
I used to be the External Affairs Manager at JFK Redevelopment. I was also the Chief of Staff to New York State Assembly Woman Alicia Hyndman of District 29. Depending on my role, my day could entail a lot of random people calling for help and me just trying to get them to the spaces that they’re looking for. I think a lot of our generations have a weird Proximity? to government. Much of my day is spent trying to change that narrative, at times not even on purpose.”
An unforgettable moment!
One of the unforgettable moments during Tunisia’s tenure as Chief of Staff was marked by the significant challenges and extraordinary actions that unfolded amidst the unexpected circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic. Joining Assemblywoman Hyndman's office in 2019, Tunisia embarked on her first legislative session as Chief of Staff just as the pandemic hit in early 2020. Despite the setback, the team's dedication and commitment to their community only grew stronger. A pivotal memory during this time was the initiation of a community fridge, aptly named "Justice the Fridge," located just steps away from the office at 231st and Merrick Boulevard. This initiative not only addressed a crucial need in the neighborhood but also underscored the office's unwavering focus on community well-being. Despite initial skepticism from some external quarters, the fridge remains a testament to the team's resilience and genuine community engagement.
“The fridge is still there today and it is really dear to my heart. I bring it up because there were a lot of mutual aid organizers across the City and Queens who had a lot of hate about a government office building out a community fridge. As somebody who understands the power structures that exist, especially in communities like mine, it was interesting to see people who were not from our community be so upset at the fact that government was actually doing the things that they were looking for.’ - Tunisia Morrison
Meaningful Change in Challenging Times
Another remarkable aspect of Tunisia's role was her active involvement alongside Assemblywoman Hyndman in various street actions, including marches, protests, and parades that emerged in response to social issues. These activities were particularly significant in Queens, a diverse borough where they played a pivotal role in advocating for important causes like Black Lives Matter and promoting allyship. Moreover, their efforts led to the introduction of a bill to establish Juneteenth as a state holiday, which eventually influenced broader recognition at the national level. This chapter in Tunisia's journey as Chief of Staff highlighted she and her team's unwavering dedication to their community's needs and their ability to effect meaningful change even during challenging times.
What's it like to organize in South Queens?
Organizing in South Queens is a complex journey, a blend of challenges and triumphs that Tunisia navigates with resilience and determination. Recognizing the misconceptions surrounding the labor of love that is organizing, Tunisia stands as a vocal advocate for the belief that such work should not equate to stress and exhaustion, but rather be met with support and upliftment. In this endeavor, she acknowledges the dichotomy of good and bad days, highlighting the significance of consistency in the face of adversities. The unlearning of deep-seated narratives is a key aspect, as Tunisia notes the existence of both encouragement and negativity, a push and pull within the realm of organizing, often rooted in competition and jealousy. Through her role in Juneteenth in Queens, the experience becomes transformative and exhilarating, witnessing individuals and communities invest in rewriting history, embracing change, and fostering unity. Tunisia describes this journey as a dual-edged gift and curse, yet the joy and impact of their efforts shine through when thousands gather in camaraderie, reminding them of the profound difference they make through their collective actions.
