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Turning Point USA has partnered with leaders in the Tennessee state legislature to create Club America chapters in high schools across the state.
OutKick’s Riley Gaines was in attendance and spoke about this momentous achievement in honor of his 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/Associated Press)
This follows a similar initiative by the state of Texas, where Club America chapters will be established in every high school in the state, according to Governor Greg Abbott.
Many Tennessee state leaders, including Senator Marsha Blackburn, were also on hand to commemorate this historic victory for free speech for high school students.
Famously, in the days following Charlie Kirk’s horrific death, students across the country attempted unsuccessfully to create TPUSA chapters in their schools and were, in some cases, even punished for wearing costumes to commemorate Kirk’s fall.
Seeing states begin to fight back against education systems that stifle these expressions, calling them “too political,” is a breath of fresh air in a notoriously left-leaning industry.
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(Left) Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point Action, speaks at a meeting on the University of Arizona campus in Tucson, Ariz., October 17, 2024. (Right) Riley Gaines speaks at a University of Oklahoma Turning Point USA chapter conference event in Norman, Oklahoma, Wednesday, April 2, 2025. (Getty Images/IMAGNE)
Gaines called it 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 looked at what happened three months ago and you felt it stirring inside you, you felt convinced… ‘how could I live a life like Charlie Kirk?'”
Despite the victory, Gaines was quick to remind everyone of the work that needs to be done.
“In light of this assassination, in light of what we learned in the following weeks, where we saw so many young people wanting to get involved, I think we now understand that Tennessee is not immune…no one is immune to the cultural chaos that is plaguing this nation.”
Riley Gaines has championed fairness in women’s sports. (XX-XY Athletics)
The field work is complete, it is now up to the next generation to take up the torch and continue Kirk’s mission.
“My message to you guys is join Club America,” Gaines impassionedly pleaded, “Bring five friends.”
With people like Riley Gaines leading the way, the legacy of Turning Point USA, and by extension, Kirk’s legacy, is assured.
