Today we’d like to introduce you to Diamond Bell.
Hi Diamond, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I got started in this work in 2021, during a time when Nashville was in the process of criminalizing homelessness. Growing up, I always saw Tent City off Charlotte Pike near Walmart, and it deeply impacted me. Having experienced homelessness myself and lived in hotels with my family, I could not imagine my mother being incarcerated simply for being unhoused. I knew I had to get involved, even though I did not yet know where to begin.
I started attending meetings with Nashville Organized for Action and Hope (NOAH) and participating in budget planning sessions with Stand Up Nashville. Through those experiences, I began learning how local government functions, including the roles of the mayor and Metro Council members. As I continued learning, I became a volunteer community organizer with Stand Up Nashville, working in South Nashville around issues related to the NASCAR racetrack and soccer stadium development. That was the moment I realized I had found my purpose.
My passion is serving underserved communities and advocating for people who are too often overlooked. We live within systems that continuously oppress marginalized communities and then place blame on those same communities for the outcomes they face. Over the years, I have traveled to multiple states to stand in solidarity with organizations and movements fighting for equity and justice.
In August of last year, I transitioned from advocacy and policy work into direct youth engagement, working with young people ages 15–25. When I first entered this work, I remember struggling with imposter syndrome and feeling overlooked myself. Those experiences ultimately inspired my commitment to supporting youth. Growing up in a low-income neighborhood, I witnessed violence, loss, and instability firsthand—experiences that many of the young people I work with share. I want to help create a different future for the next generation.
Overall, I enter every space with the goal of meeting people where they are and creating meaningful change one person at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been an easy road. Working in politics, community organizing, and grassroots advocacy is highly strategic. Much of the work centers around building power in communities ensuring we all have a seat at the table, relationship-building, networking, community organizing, navigating systems of power, etc. Entering this space at a young age often felt challenging because I constantly felt the need to prove myself among more seasoned organizers and advocates.
Another major challenge has been the burnout that comes with this work. Early on, I felt responsible for trying to save everyone and be involved in every issue because there is always another policy, crisis, or injustice emerging. The work can feel nonstop, leaving little room to pause or breathe. Over time, I learned the importance of self-care and setting boundaries in order to sustain myself in this work long term.
I have also learned that not everyone enters this field with the same intentions or level of passion. Some people are motivated by recognition, influence, or financial gain rather than genuine community impact. Because of this, I have learned the importance of staying grounded, remaining true to myself, and always remembering why I began this work in the first place.
Throughout my organizing experience, I have gone up against lobbyists, large corporations, developers, and powerful political interests. One campaign I worked on involved the Riverchase Apartments in East Nashville, a low-income housing community that had existed for decades. An out-of-state developer purchased the property, resulting in the displacement of long-term residents with little meaningful notice or support during the process.
I was also involved in advocacy surrounding the Tennessee Titans stadium deal, a $2.1 billion project partially funded by taxpayer dollars. Alongside the stadium proposal came the larger East Bank redevelopment project, which raised significant concerns about displacement and the long-term impact on surrounding communities.
More recently, witnessing the redistricting of Majority-Minority District 9 in Memphis was deeply disheartening. After spending years encouraging young people in my generation to understand the importance of voting—especially in local elections—it was painful to see decisions that many community members felt undermined representation and political power within marginalized communities.
This work requires navigating racism, gaslighting, insensitivity, and systemic inequities on a daily basis. One of the hardest realities is recognizing that some decision-makers remain unmoved, even when communities express deep pain, frustration, and concern. Despite these challenges, I remain committed to staying authentic, building community power, and continuing the work of creating meaningful change.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I currently serve as the Youth Healing and Advocacy Organizer for Black Mental Health Village, where I focus on creating consistent and meaningful programming for young people. On top of that we make mental health our top priority. We offer free therapy for all ages, and many health and wellness workshops such as youth dance classes, and sound bath wellness sessions to encourage healing, self-care, and emotional wellness within the community. In low income communities especially, mental health resources are scarce. Our role is to ensure the youth and their families have easy access to those resources. Also, part of my work involves building safe and supportive third spaces for youth throughout the summer and beyond. I strongly believe that when young people lack access to positive outlets, mentorship, and opportunities for engagement, it can negatively impact their well-being and future outcomes. Our goal is to provide hands-on activities, community connection, and supportive environments that keep youth engaged, empowered, and encouraged.
Our work also focuses on disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline by educating youth on topics such as tobacco prevention, gun safety, self-advocacy, and personal safety. In addition to educational programming, we consistently connect community members with vital resources, including parenting classes, financial aid assistance, financial literacy support, food and clothing resources, diapers, transportation assistance, trade school opportunities, free workforce programs, culinary classes, sewing apprenticeships, emergency housing support, and services for survivors of domestic violence.
Before transitioning fully into youth-focused work, I was heavily involved in affordable housing advocacy throughout Nashville. I worked closely on campaigns centered around ensuring the implementation of truly affordable housing solutions in the city. This included engaging in ongoing conversations with Metro Council members, advocating during budget season for increased affordable housing funding, canvassing, door-knocking, participating on panels, and connecting with other non-profits, community members, and housing agencies.
I am known for my passion, consistency, and unwavering commitment to advocating for marginalized communities. Community work is not something I simply participate in occasionally—it is deeply rooted in who I am. Whether through organizing, advocacy, youth engagement, or direct community support, I remain committed to building power, creating access, and standing firmly for the people I serve. My ancestors and the communities I come from continue to ground me in the purpose behind this work and remind me why it is important to keep going.
Throughout my journey, I’ve had the opportunity to lead rallies, organize community events, speak before council on multiple occasions, and collaborate with numerous organizations and neighborhood associations focused on equity, advocacy, attend protest, and systemic change. I’ve also served as a mentor for young girls and completed leadership and labor organizing trainings through the AFL-CIO.
Some milestones I’m especially proud of include serving on the Scarritt Bennett MLK Day Celebration panel, marching in Washington, D.C. for causes I believe in, and being featured on local news outlets for my advocacy work. Most recently, I was nominated by Kyonzté Toombs to serve on the Short Term Rental Appeals Board, where I earned the support of Metro Council with 26 votes.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Leaving Stand Up Nashville was one of the biggest risks I’ve taken in my professional journey. It was a place where I felt comfortable, supported, and truly connected to a community that became like family to me. When I first joined, I had no background in community organizing, grassroots advocacy, or activism. They took a chance on me as simply a concerned community member and invested in my growth, teaching me the foundations of the work I do today.
Because of that, stepping away from something so familiar was both emotional and intimidating. However, I realized that growth often requires discomfort and faith. I did not want to remain in the same place without continuing to challenge myself, evolve, and pursue new opportunities to make an impact. I felt I had fulfilled my purpose there and that it was time to grow in a different direction.
What made the decision especially difficult was the uncertainty of entering a new environment and wondering whether I would still be able to stay deeply connected to community work. In the end, taking that leap became one of my proudest moments. It showed me that I was capable of trusting myself, embracing change, and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
I will always be grateful to Stand Up Nashville for believing in me, investing in me, and helping shape the advocate and leader I am today.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: 615.yungorganizer__
- Facebook: Diamond Bell
- Other: diamond@bmhv.org
