The Tri-State Defender (Newsletter Edition) - February 1-7, 2024

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Feb. 1-7, 2024

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Innovation • Inspir ation • Ele vation

How do you ‘newspaper’ when there’s no paper? ing what it means to be an African American-owned news and media Interim Editor source in Memphis, a majority African American city.

Well, this is different.

It’s very existential stuff. But Quite a bit has changed here at The Tri-State Defender, just since the there are also existential questions.

Like: How do you “newspaend of last year. Longtime per” when there’s no paper?

Executive Editor Karanja This document you are Ajanaku retired, and sadly, reading is our first crack at TSD Deputy Editor Jerome answering that question.

Wright passed suddenly a Of course, we understand few weeks ago. that people get their news But the changes, as you online now, and we are recan see, are much more vamping our website to betstructural. ter accommodate that. In Specifically, late last year, Lee Eric Smith the coming months, we will TSD leadership made the unveil a fresh new look and difficult decision to susa broader spectrum of conpend the weekly print editributors and content, while maintion, starting in January 2024. The taining and elevating our coverage. financial realities of print media But we also understand the noscould no longer be outrun.

And yet The Tri-State Defender is talgia of reading a newspaper — on too important of a Memphis insti- PAPER — over a cup of coffee. We tution not to exist. So we are rein- know some of our readers much venting ourselves. We are reinvent- prefer reading something on paper,

by Lee Eric Smith

Hours of new footage of Tyre Nichols’ fatal beating now online Newly released body-cam video records a conversation Officer Preston Hamphill has with Tyre Nichols’ parents RowVaughn and Rodney Wells. The City of Memphis has released hours of new video footage related to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols — 44 new clips in total. The release comes months after a judge ordered the footage be made public. To view the videos, scan the code at right. But be warned: Graphic violent content, viewer discretion advised.

(Photo: Screen capture)

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instead of a screen. So how do we satisfy those readers?

For the month of January, we continued to produce a full-size broadsheet PDF – the same kind we would send off for printing — but we did not print them. You can find those and a whole backlog of TSD news pages by visiting issuu.com/ thenewtristatedefender. And on Jan. 25, we published an actual print edition you can find on newsstands now.

But the question came up: If we are going to produce these PDF pages each week, doesn’t it make sense to make it user-friendly? And what exactly would that look like?

Can we change the font away from Times New Roman and make the text bigger? Can we include QR codes, so that people can easily access more content on our website?

And can we publish a letter-sized SEE REINVENTION ON PAGE 10

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Wyatt Awards Scholarship in Honor of Benjamin L. Hooks proud to have been associated with him and to honor Mr. Elliott with Special to the Tri State Defender this scholarship,” Harkavy said.

A University of Mount Olive Benjamyn Elliott, a secondalumnus, Elliott voiced his gratitude year student at the University for the award, noting of Memphis Cecil C. its significance in Humphreys School of promoting diversity.

Law, has been named “I’m grateful and the recipient of the honored to receive Benjamin L. Hooks Law this scholarship.

Scholarship, presented Wyatt is continuing by the law firm Wyatt, its commitment to Tarrant & Combs diversity by investing in LLP. This scholarship individuals like me. This commemorates the award will significantly late judge and Civil contribute to achieving Rights icon Benjamin L. my goals,” Elliott Benjamyn Elliott Hooks, who led Wyatt’s remarked.

Diversity Practice Group Dr. Hooks’ illustrious until his passing in 2010. career spanned various Elliott, originally from roles, including a minister, former Fayetteville, North Carolina, has executive director of the NAACP, earned the distinction of being the fifth awardee of this scholarship, and a commissioner with the Federal aimed at supporting his academic Communications Commission.

Wyatt, Tarrant & Combs, LLP, with journey with funding for tuition a national presence and offices in and related expenses. In addition to his academic achievements, Elliott Kentucky, Indiana, and Tennessee, holds the position of Managing is known for its industry-focused Editor of the University of Memphis practice groups and commitment to client success. The firm is Law Review.

Lee Harkavy, a partner at Wyatt’s also a founding participant in Memphis office, expressed the firm’s AdvanceLaw. Further information about Wyatt honor in continuing Hooks’ legacy. and its legal services can be found at “Dr. Hooks had an exceptional career http://wayttfirm.com in law and public service. We are

President Calvin Anderson Interim Editor Lee Eric Smith

Wine Down with Words set for Feb. 17 The Memphis Black Arts Alliance invites literary enthusiasts to “Wine Down with Words: A Literary Artist Forum” on Saturday, February 17, at 4 pm. This engaging event will be held at the historic FireHouse Community Arts Center, located at 985 S. Bellevue Boulevard. With a $10 donation for admission, attendees will immerse themselves in a world of literary exploration and insight.

The forum will feature a panel of aspiring and accomplished African American screenwriters, playwrights, and authors.

They will share their experiences in writing and publishing, discuss their literary journeys, and interact with an audience passionate about the art of writing.

Following the panel discussion, attendees will have the opportunity to meet with the panelists, engage in further discussions, and purchase books from authors who have them available.

To confirm attendance at this enlightening event, potential guests are encouraged to RSVP via email at mbaa@memphisblackarts.org.

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The Impact of Juvenile Crime on Students, School System aged 12 or under.

A review of child deaths by Le Special to the Tri State Defender Bonheur Children’s Hospital found Last month, Interim Memphis- that in 2020, homicide was the Shelby County Schools cause of more than 50 percent of all deaths amongst Memphis Superintendent Toni youth ages 15-24, and more Williams shared a very than 75 percent of child ominous statistic with the deaths related to violence Memphis community. in Memphis involve a Our school system, firearm. already this school year, This reflects the city’s has lost 22 students ongoing struggle with to violence. A number elevated rates of crime, of other students, she gang activity, poverty, said, are still “critically Curtis Weathers and other socioeconomic recovering” from violent issues that endanger the attacks. lives of local children.

Last year was a very Community leaders have violent year here in Memphis, with prioritized interventions to promote a record 398 homicides, hundreds of robberies and smash-and-grab youth safety in hopes of mitigating thefts, affecting children, families, these preventable deaths.

I think we all recognize that there is and businesses throughout the no single magic bullet for addressing entire community.

Memphis has long struggled with youth violence. But to even have high rates of violent crime, especially a chance at mounting a successful among our youth. Teenagers and effort requires a multifaceted young adults commit a significant approach that prioritizes safety, portion of the cities’ violent crimes. equity, and deep collaboration The child homicide rate in our city among multiple entities.

I’m no expert, but any successes far exceeds national averages. that we expect to achieve should While national trends point to start with addressing the root causes unintentional injuries as the top cause of death amongst American of violence in our communities, youth - in Memphis, violence is which is a very complex issue in and by far the most significant threat, of itself. The causes of violence stem from a convergence of factors with especially homicide by firearm.

For example, the leading cause deep historical and sociological roots.

Contributing factors to high youth of death for children ages 7-18 in crime include high rates of poverty, Memphis is homicide/assault.

According to Memphis Crime lack of economic opportunities, high Stoppers, in all of 2022, there were school dropout rates, gang activity, over 70 homicide victims aged 17 or easy access to firearms, and probably under, including at least 15 children most importantly, a subculture

by Curtis Weathers

that has normalized violence and retaliation.

Memphis already has multiple community-based programs that focus on public health, mentorship, interventions, and education, and they have shown some successes in reducing youth violence, but challenges clearly remain.

For example, it is reported that Memphis has a very high rate of disconnected or “opportunity” youth. Estimates suggest that around 24,000 youth aged 16-24 are neither enrolled in school nor participating in the labor force.

Many of our schools have adopted peer mediation programs and violence intervention/prevention curriculums to promote nonviolent conflict resolution among students.

The district partners with local law enforcement to provide better school security procedures. They have provided programs like “SAFE Zones,” which aim to provide safe spaces for students on their way to and from schools.

The school district provides an alternative school program for students with recurring behavioral issues aimed at intensive counseling and rehabilitation instead of suspension/expulsion. There are also “second chance” disciplinary policies to keep suspensions low.

Efforts are being made to provide students with more economic opportunities as well. There are mentoring, counseling, workforce partnerships, and vocational training programs to keep at-risk SEE WEATHERS ON PAGE 11

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Int’l Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance shares its ‘love letter’ with Memphis The 34th Annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance, hosted by the International Association of Blacks in Dance (IABD) in partnership with Collage Dance Collective, was held in Memphis, Tennessee from January 24-28, 2024.

Titled “Can’t Turn You Loose: Photos by Gary S. Whitlow for GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender.

Scan code for more photos at Tri-StateDefender.com!

A Love Letter to Black Dance,” served as a significant gathering for Black dance professionals, encompassing a wide range of roles from the dance community.

It offered a platform for sharing diverse ideas, cultures, and experiences, emphasizing the richness and variety of Black dance.

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CBS Showcases TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands in Nashville Tribute to Grammy Nominees Special to the Tri State Defender

In a spectacular display of musical talent, the Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) from Tennessee State University captivated Nashville with a pop-up performance last Wednesday. The showcase, held in front of the Schermerhorn Symphony Center downtown, was organized in response to a request from CBS, celebrating nominees of the ‘Best Country Album’ category for the upcoming Grammy Awards.

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Director of AOB, shared that the band had a mere three days to prepare for this hour-long live event.

“CBS’s call for us to honor this year’s Grammy nominees was an invitation we embraced wholeheartedly, eager to deliver a historic performance,” McDonald stated.

This performance was particularly significant for AOB, an HBCU band and the first collegiate band to win a Grammy.

Their award, for Best Roots Gospel Album “The Urban Hymnal,” was received at last year’s 65th annual ceremony. The Nashville pop-up allowed AOB to further exhibit their diverse musical talents.

The band commenced their performance with ‘TSU Funk,’ an original piece by AOB. They then played renditions of songs from this year’s ‘Best

LEFT: Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands during their warm-up and performance at the Schermerhorn Symphony Center.

(TSU Media Relations)

Country Album’ Grammy nominees, including tracks like “Smells Like Smoke”

by Lainey Wilson, “Hey Driver” by Zach Bryan featuring The War and Treaty, and “Rustin’ in the Rain” by Tyler Childers.

McDonald highlighted the educational and exposure opportunities this event provided. “Such

occasions extend learning beyond the classroom and introduce the excellence of HBCU bands, like TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands, to new audiences,” he said.

AOB continues to redefine musical boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on every stage they grace.

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Former Memphis City Councilwoman Tajuan Stout-Mitchell pens a heartfelt thanks to a group of recently deceased Memphians whose impacts are still felt. From left: Barbara Farmer Arnold, first black woman to work in the City of Memphis’ Human Resources Dept.; 1968 Sanitation Worker Elmore Nickelberry; longtime school board member Sara Lewis; veteran journalist and TSD Deputy Editor Jerome Wright; and school board stalwart Carl Johnson.

A Tribute to the ‘Tempered Radicals’ who quietly paved road for hundreds of Memphians

by TaJuan Stout-Mitchell Special to The Tri-State Defender

Memphis recently lost five African Americans who made a significant impact on the advancement of civil rights, justice, and opportunities for Blacks.

Greatness walks among us each day. Sometimes, it is difficult to recognize their contributions because too many take advancement for granted. There was not always room at the table for Blacks, women, people with disabilities, or blue-collar labor in corporate offices, public services, and political structures.

But each of these trailblazers worked to open doors by performing at a high level, advocating for fairness, and sharing a vision of what Memphis could be through inclusion.

Three were well-known—long-

time legacy Memphis City School Board members Carl Johnson and Sara Lewis, along with Elmore Nickleberry, a key figure in the sanitation workers’ strike.

Not as well-known to the general public were trailblazing journalist Jerome Wright and the first African American female to work in the City of Memphis’ Human Resources Department as a manager, Barbara Farmer Arnold.

Mrs. Farmer managed Police Recruitment and Planning. She was 92 when she died on Jan. 2, 2024. While at the City of Memphis, she worked under five mayors: Ingram, Loeb, Chandler, Hackett, and Herenton.

She started as a clerk-typist.

Mrs. Farmer was the embodiment of a “tempered radical,” defined as someone who finds themselves “in a tricky situation of trying to be a part of a dominant culture while at

the same time trying to change the system.”

There are some common characteristics of a tempered radical. They often use their influence to create small wins in the workplace to influence the hiring of more people of color. A tempered radical works from the inside to create opportunities for racial or ethnic minorities by sharing information about vacancies with qualified people they know. They are usually high performers to prove the competency level of minority groups.

Tempered radicals often use their knowledge of the culture and work environment to influence change.

Mrs. Barbara Arnold Farmer challenged the system from inside; she recruited and, when necessary, gave support to many civil rights court SEE RADICALS ON Next Page

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cases just by sharing data on hiring, promotions, and terminations.

Proof of her impact was demonstrated at her funeral, where more than 400 people attended to say goodbye. Normally, unless you are a public figure, someone that age may have smaller crowds.

“She opened doors that were shut. Lifted up people who were supposed to be kept outside,” said Rev. Chester Berryhill.

Dr. W.W. Herenton also spoke of her kind smile that penetrated your soul.

“This is the celebration of a good woman. She lived a life of abundance because she gave her life to others,” Herenton said.

The pastor officiating the service, the Rev. Roger R. Brown, asked if Mrs. Barbara Arnold Farmer ever helped you in being recruited, hired, or promoted at the City of Memphis to stand. Over two-thirds of a mostly African American audience at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church stood.

Yes, she quietly influenced the hiring within her 30 years at the City of Memphis.

Carl Johnson Sr. was a quiet and unassuming force that paved the way for Blacks at St. Jude Hospital as a scientist and at Rhodes College as a professor. Mr. Johnson was one of three Blacks on the legacy Memphis City School Board of Education who saw a qualified, tenured teacher and academic leader being overlooked as superintendent.

He led an effort to secure votes for Dr. W.W. Herenton as superintendent. Always remember, they shaped this vote with three members of the nine on the Memphis

City Schools Board.

Elmore Nickleberry stood up for workers who wanted to be treated with dignity and respect. His tempered radicalism led Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to give national attention to sanitation workers in 1968. The employees led changes in the workplace that would be heard

Tri-State Defender. He was one of the first Blacks hired by The Commercial Appeal in 1971 in the midst of the civil rights movement. Marcus Latrell in a Facebook post stated that “Jerome Wright volunteered to mentor him in the country’s first city-wide high school newspaper, Teen Appeal.”

“Jerome Wright helped in the writing of this column, never realizing he would be included. He wanted stories told of sung and unsung changemakers in Memphis.”

— TaJuan Stout Mitchell around the world and archived in history books. He too just wanted better opportunities and all work valued. Mr. Nickleberry died Dec. 30, at the age of 92. He retired from the City of Memphis at the age of 89.

Sara Lewis, a scholar, a teacher, a leader, used her skills to be an advocate for teachers, children with disabilities, and people who needed opportunities in Memphis. Her life’s work is well known to many because she was a fierce force. When she realized that Blacks received less than 1 percent of contracts from the legacy Memphis City Schools, she drafted a resolution to order a disparity study that was later duplicated by city and county governments. As a co-sponsor of that resolution, I know it changed the diversity pool of contracts in every public government in this county.

Sara Lewis died Jan. 22. She was 87 years old.

Another “tempered radical” was actually Jerome Wright, a gifted and prolific writer for The Commercial Appeal and Deputy Editor of The

Wright loved all people but was keenly aware that he had to be an example of excellence to keep the doors open. He often said that many voices are needed in a newsroom to get all perspectives and represent the public.

Jerome Wright helped in the writing of this column, never realizing he would be included, but he wanted stories told of sung and unsung changemakers in Memphis. Jerome died the day we talked about the outline of this story on Jan. 23, of heart failure. He was 74 years old.

All of these great citizens of Memphis made significant changes in their community and valued diversity of thought, whether based on social status, culture, race, religion, abilities, or disabilities. Memphis is a better community because they lived.

When you look at their body of work, you quickly realize that they kept the light on and the doors open for so many others.

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MATA Taps Mauldin for Interim CEO In a historic decision, the Memphis Area Transit Authority (MATA) announced Bacarra Mauldin as its interim Chief Executive Officer, following Gary Rosenfeld’s retirement. Mauldin is notably the first woman to lead MATA. Mauldin, previously the Deputy CEO, brings over two years of executive experience within MATA and an extensive career in transit. She has earned national recognition and serves on the executive committee of the American Public Transportation Association.

PUBLIC NOTICES/CLASSIFIEDS

4. Parkway Health and Rehabilitation Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

It is the policy of the Memphis MPO not to exclude, deny, or discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, sex, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, age, religion, veteran status, familial or marital status, disability, medical or genetic condition, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal or state law in its hiring or employment practices, or in its admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services, or activities.

For any and all inquiries regarding the application of this accessibility statement and related policies, or for persons that require aids or services to participate either in the review of these documents or during the hearing, please contact Nick Warren, at 901-636-7146 or Nick.Warren@memphistn.gov.

The Board of trustees shall assume full responsibility for the overall operation of the facility. The full-time Administrator is responsible for the management and direct operations of the facility and patient care, staffing, etc.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE MEMPHIS URBAN AREA METROPOLITAN PLANNING ORGANIZATION In compliance with federal regulations 23 CFR 450, the Memphis MPO will present the 2020-2024 Safety (PM1) and 2023-2024 Transit Safety Performance Measure Targets for adoption. Additionally, the MPO will present the 2023 State of the MPO Report, the 2022 Annual Safety Report, updates to the MPO calendar, elect a TPB Chair and Vice-Chair, and elect a TPB Representative for the Freight Advisory Committee (FAC).

These documents will be made available for review from 8:00 AM until 4:30 PM Monday through Friday in the offices of the Memphis MPO located at 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103, or for download from the Internet at: memphismpo.org.

Written public comments will be accepted through Monday, February 12, 2024. Comments may be submitted to Pragati Srivastava, Memphis MPO, 125 N. Main Street, Room 450, Memphis, TN 38103, or via email at Pragati.Srivastava@ memphistn.gov.

The TPB of the Memphis MPO will hold a public hearing to accept oral comments and take action on the proposed items.

The public hearing will take place on: Date: Thursday, February 15, 2024 Time: 1:30 PM Location: Holiday Inn University of Memphis, 3700 Central Avenue, Memphis, TN 38111 The full meeting agenda will be made available, 10 days prior to the meeting, on the Memphis MPO’s website: (memphismpo. org).

This notice is funded (in part) under an agreement with the State of TN and MS, Departments of Transportation.

NOTICE Parkway Health and Rehabilitation Center is designed as a facility dedicated to the best possible care of the sick and elderly. Parkway Health and Rehabilitation Center will comply in every respect with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As characterized by the absence of separation, discrimination, or any activity carried on, in, by or for the facility affecting the care treatment of residents.

1. The facility will provide inpatient care without regard to race, color, or national origin.

2. Resident’s areas are assigned to rooms or sections of the facility on a non-discriminating basis.

3. Employees will be employed without regard to race, color, or national origin.

The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all responses to this Request for Bids in whole or in part; to waive any informalities, technicalities, or omissions related to this Request for Bids; and to reject responses on any other basis authorized by the Authority’s purchasing policies.

The Authority is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination based on the grounds of age, race, sex, color, national origin, disability, marital status, military service, or sexual orientation in its hiring and employment practices and in the admission to, access to, or operation of its programs, services, and activities.

By order of: Scott A. Brockman, A.A.E. President and CEO Memphis-Shelby County Authority

Airport

NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Deon Caldwell Tax Parcel #: 07007800000030 Tax Sale #: 1902 Price Offered: 5,300.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) high-

er, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 09:30 am on February 26 2024, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150 NOTICE OF PROPOSED SALE OF REAL PROPERTY

BY SHELBY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Notice is hereby given, pursuant to T.C.A. §67-5-2507, that Shelby County Government has received an Offer to Purchase for the following property: Carlos Miguel Soto Miranda Tax Parcel #: 02601000000050 Tax Sale #: 1803 Price Offered: 14,000.00 Terms: Cash Additional Offers to Purchase, of at least ten percent (10%) higher, may be submitted within Ten (10) working days of this notice.

If additional offers are received during this ten (10) day period, all prospective Purchasers must attend a Public “Bid Off” at 11:30 am on February 20 2024, to be held in the Shelby County Land Bank Office, to determine the highest and best offer. The property shall thereafter be sold to the prospective Purchaser making the highest and best offer without warranties of any sort.

Shelby County Land Bank 1075 MULLINS STATION, BLDG. E-1 MEMPHIS, TN 38134 (901) 222-1150

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Greeks, Marching Bands show up, show out for HBCU Night at Grizzlies vs. Cavaliers

On Feb. 1, the Memphis Grizzlies hosted its annual “HBCU Night” at FedExForum to kickoff Black History Month. TSD Photographer Warren Roseborough captured the sights and sounds of the night, as bands played and Greeks strolled.

ABOVE: The “Mean Green Marching Machine” from Mississippi Valley State University put on a show.

RIGHT: The National Anthem was performed by the Coahoma Community College Choir. BELOW LEFT: All the National Pan-Hellenic Council Greeks showed up to stroll during a game break. Below, the brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha and Iota Phi Theta turn up. BELOW RIGHT: The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta and Sigma Gamma Rho show off their pride. For more photos from HBCU Night, scan the code!

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Mack Weaver announced as President, CEO of Memphis in May Memphis in May financial losses in 2023 — the International Festival has first year the festival was held announced Mack Weaver as at the newly renovated Tom its new President and CEO, Lee Park. following the retirement of The festival left Tom Lee Jim Holt.

Park in shambles, prompting Weaver, a long-serving the Memphis River Parks member of the festival’s team, Partnership to send a $1.4 brings over two decades of million bill for the damages.

Mack Weaver experience to the role, having Instead, the World previously held the position Championship Barbecue of Chief Financial Officer.

Cooking Contest is scheduled at Liberty Weaver is stepping into his role at a Park from May 15-18, and the Great pivotal time. The Beale Street Music American River Run will take place in Festival is on hold for 2024, after drastic Downtown Memphis on May 25.

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PDF – one that somebody can actually print out at their homes, offices and churches, and maybe enjoy a cup of coffee while they read?

Thus we arrive at this version of The Tri-State Defender – the Newsletter Edition. It’s designed to be easy to read, easy to digest, and we’ve even included the puzzles section in the back. And we want to hear your feedback.

Let me be clear: This document is not a finished product and the look and feel of this publication is subject to change – based on us learning from mistakes as we grow, and from feedback from readers who care, like you do. It’s a safe bet that this publication will look very different by the Spring, as will our monthly print edition.

But we promise, if you’re willing to give us a little room to experiment, a little margin for error, you will be rewarded with what we’ve always strived to be: A reliable and trustworthy source of accurate news and information, delivered as only African American-owned media can do.

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students engaged.

Schools are partnering with community groups, youth centers, health providers, and others to connect students and families to supportive services and violence prevention resources outside the classroom.

Memphis has expanded access to pre-K programs in recent years, reaching more children who may be susceptible to negative influences. Early childhood education can significantly impact longterm outcomes, including reducing the risk of involvement in crime.

Schools are increasingly incorporating Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) programs into their curriculum, teaching students essential skills like conflict resolution, emotional regulation, and decision-making. These skills can help young people avoid violence and make positive choices.

Lastly, several Memphis schools partner with community organizations to provide mentors for students who may be struggling or lack positive role models in their lives. Mentors can offer support, guidance, and encouragement, helping to reduce the risk of involvement in violence.

These are just some of the ways the education community in Memphis is working to address youth violence. Schools will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and social service providers to develop comprehensive strategies for preventing violence.

But schools alone cannot eliminate the myriad of societal issues that lead to youth violence. Broader public health, public policy, and community

support changes are still needed in tandem with the efforts put forth by our school system.

Building a safer community takes time, dedication, and collaboration from all sectors. We have to come together as one united community, put away our petty differences, and work toward a set of common goals and objectives.

We need to support our newly elected mayor, Paul Young, our new school superintendent (as soon as that person is

hired), our interim Chief of Police, C.J Davis, and others who are trying to develop and implement solutions that will make our communities safe.

Just looking at the awful data regarding youth violence and hearing our school superintendent call for support in our community’s effort to “fight crime” is troubling; as if she doesn’t have enough to worry about.

Let’s work together, Memphis, and turn this situation around. It’s time!

Innovation • Inspir ation • Ele vation

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