I Refused to Choose Sides—So I Built a Bridge

Why I Created The Jonesboro Bridge

Bridging the Gaps That Divide Us

When I named my newsletter The Jonesboro Bridge, it wasn’t just a catchy title—it was deeply intentional.

It came from a place of lived experience, reflection, and a commitment to something bigger than myself.

For me, it’s simple:

Wherever there is a gap, there must be a bridge.


What Does “The Jonesboro Bridge” Mean?

It means bridging the gap between cultures.

It means bridging the gap between communities.

It means bridging the gap between government and the people it serves.

Too often, we operate in silos—separated by misunderstanding, assumptions, or even fear. But we all live here. We all share the same streets, the same resources, and the same future.

So why are there gaps at all?

And more importantly—what are we doing to close them?


Where It All Began

When I was running as a candidate, one of my core platforms was clear:

Bridge the gap.

But standing on that principle wasn’t easy.

I was faced with ultimatums—by people,  elected officials I trusted, people I thought were friends. I was told that if I spoke to certain individuals, or even engaged with people of a different race, I would be isolated… even politically and socially “annihilated.”

And truthfully—that’s exactly what happened.

But I made a decision.

I refused to be backed into a corner.


A Choice I Refused to Make

Why should I have to choose who I talk to?

Why should I have to limit who I connect with?

Why should community come with conditions?

We are not in high school.

This is real life. This is our city.

As your Councilwoman, I represent everyone—not a select group, not a preferred circle, but the entire community. Regardless of race, background, gender, or perspective.

Because at the end of the day, we are all neighbors.


Community Means All of Us

When you live in a community, it should not matter who you choose to speak to, work with, or build with.

Division weakens us.

Connection strengthens us.

And that’s what The Jonesboro Bridge is about.

It’s about creating a space where:

  • Information flows freely

  • Voices are heard

  • Differences are respected

  • And unity is prioritized


More Than a Newsletter

The Jonesboro Bridge is not just a newsletter.

It is a movement toward connection.

It is a commitment to transparency.

It is a symbol of unity in a time where division is easy.

It represents the belief that no matter how wide the gap may seem—

we can always build a bridge.


Let’s Keep Building Together

This is just the beginning.

Every conversation, every connection, every effort to understand one another—brings us one step closer to the community we all deserve.

Thank you for being a part of this journey.


Councilwoman Santia Fox

Forward with Fox

Reshaping One Jonesboro 

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