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Turning Point USA has partnered with leadership in the state legislature of Tennessee to establish Club America chapters at high schools across the state.
OutKick’s very own Riley Gaines was in attendance and spoke about this momentous achievement in honor of her late friend and TPUSA founder Charlie Kirk.
“Being here today… I feel optimistic and inspired seeing so many of you, especially you young people here,” Gaines said.
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Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist who led Turning Point USA. (Alex Brandon/The Associated Press)
This comes on the heels of the state of Texas following a similar initiative, in which Club America chapters will be established in every high school in the state, according to governor Greg Abbott.
Many of the state leaders of Tennessee, including senator Marsha Blackburn, were in attendance as well to commemorate this historic win for free speech for high school students.
Famously, in the days following the horrific death of Charlie Kirk, students across the country tried and were unsuccessful in starting TPUSA chapters at their schools and even, in some cases, were punished for wearing suits to commemorate the fallen Kirk.
Seeing states start to fight back against the education systems that are stifling these expressions, calling them “too political,” is a breath of fresh air in an industry that is notoriously left-leaning.
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(Left) Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point Action, speaks during a meeting on the campus of the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, on Oct. 17, 2024. (Right) Riley Gaines speaks at a University of Oklahoma Turning Point USA chapter speaking event in Norman, Oklahoma, on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Getty Images/IMAGN)
Gaines called this a “total cultural revival” for the right on campuses across the state.
“Maybe these political issues weren’t what you wanted to do with your life,” Gaines remarked, “but then you watched what happened three months ago and you felt it stirring within you, you felt convicted… ‘how could I live a life like Charlie Kirk?’”
Despite the win, Gaines was quick to remind everyone of the work that needs to be done.
“In light of this assassination, what we’ve learned in the following weeks, where we’ve seen so many young kids wanting to get involved, I think we’ve now understood that Tennessee is not immune… nobody is immune to the cultural chaos that is plaguing this nation.”
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Riley Gaines has championed fairness in women’s sports. (XX-XY Athletics)
The leg work has been done, now it’s up to the next generation to pick up the mantle and carry on Kirk’s mission.
“My message to you guys is to join Club America,” pleaded an impassioned Gaines, “Bring five friends.”
With people like Riley Gaines leading the charge, Turning Point USA’s legacy, and by extension, Kirk’s legacy, is secured.
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