Southern Harm in Nashville

A small group of us came to Nashville to enjoy live music and have a break from the stressors of 2020.  While walking down Broadway with a full mask on, my boyfriend's daughter and I were stopped by The Humane Society to sign up for monthly donations. While in the midst of loud music, crowds, and passing cars, I was having a hard time being heard by the Society Advocate that I would give a One Time Donation, but not a monthly obligation. In an attempt to be heard a little better, I lowered my mask. At this time, an Officer approached us both claiming that he had already warned us about our mask. We immediately raised our masks and tried to explain the reason why we lowered them, for communication purposes with The Society. At this time, he began issuing $110 civil citations to each of us. Feeling targeted, I began asking questions regarding which law was broken and that I was hesitant about giving out my license....And that's when the cuffs came on. Having never been arrested, I quickly had a change of heart and offered to comply even though I felt as if this was an instance of being made an example of. My offer was denied and I was placed cuffed, in the Police Unit and got processed (finger prints, and picture) for a Criminal Misdemeanor of Having a Lowered Mask Less Than 6 Feet Apart From Someone.  The Officer graciously cut me a "Break" and allowed me to wait 4 weeks before I have to travel for 2 days and RETURN to Nashville to have myself booked, where I will need to be bailed out, and appear in COURT! The trip alone will cost me 3 days of pay for missing work, not counting the costs of bail, court fees, and travel expenses all for A LOWERED MASK TRYING TO GIVE A CHARITABLE DONATION. As I am a single mother of 2 and she is a college student during Christmas time, this task is financially imposssible for us. Send a prayer, send a letter to the Mayor of Nashville, and if possible, send a dollar or two..... Please and Thank you