HUNTSVILLE, Ala. —
“WE over me” --- that’s the mindset you have when you practice social distancing, hold off on going to the grocery store to pick up something you don’t necessarily “need”, or mask in public.
It’s a mentality that can mean the difference between “flattening the curve” and seeing those numbers skyrocket.
We caught up with Jessica Johnson, the founder and creator of “WE over me Huntsville”. She tells us, “We’re putting our individual desires aside for the greater good.”
Johnson started the “WE over me Huntsville” Facebook campaign when she saw a need for a unifying message during this tough time. She says, “I am not an essential worker, and it seemed like there had to be something I could do rather than just stay home. I had an idea for the yard signs to hopefully spread positivity and also raise some money for local small businesses.”
With something as simple as a lawn sign, people can spread a movement-- and help local businesses keep their doors open. Johnson adds, “One hundred percent of the profits goes to small businesses-- all of the net proceeds. And I’ve had a lot of people who were kind enough to make donations, and that’s helping to cover the cost of having the signs printed.”
She's doing this all on her own-- with the help of her family to deliver signs. It’s a cause close to her heart. Johnson tells our reporter, “My husband has a small business. So, I knew that a lot of the small business owners were panicking and really concerned.”
Johnson says, now more than ever, the “WE over me” mentality is one we should all embrace. She tells us, “In the beginning, it meant staying home and staying away from people. And right now, we’re kind of doing this dance where we’re trying to open up a little bit more. It’s a delicate balance between being able to support businesses, but also, keep our distance and. stay safe”
Johnson explains, the lawn signs are also a symbol of thanks for first responders, health workers, and other essential employees, who embrace the “WE over me” mentality everyday.
To see how you can get your own “We Over Me Huntsville” yard sign, click here.