Memphis City Council members voted 10-0 to hire a consultant to layout a proposed public safety foundation during the Tuesday, April 23 meeting.
The temporary position comes at the recommendation of council attorney Allan Wade.
To pay for the temporary post, the resolution redistributes up to $150,000 in American Rescue Plan funding intended for the Memphis Public Libraries. The original $2.2 million in funding for library programs overshot actual needs.
Council chair JB Smiley proposed the foundation on April 9. It has the support of Mayor Paul Young and interim Memphis Police Department chief Cerelyn “C.J.” Davis. However, a proposed ordinance hasn’t been presented yet.
Young and Smiley have made crime reduction their priorities.
It will be based on an Atlanta based foundation. Davis is a former deputy chief with the that Atlanta Police Department.
The proposed philanthropic and research foundation would be funded by private donations. It would also be tailored to Memphis’ specific needs.
Along with researching best practices, the foundation could aid officer recruitment and retention through tuition reimbursement. It could also pickup the tab on the costs of allowing off-duty officers to take patrol cars home. Both are currently funded in the budget.
Regulating Solar Utilities
Council members also approved a joint ordinance updating regulations for solar utilities during the meeting. It was the second reading.
Their counterparts on Shelby County Commission passed the second reading of their ordinance on Monday, April 22.
Three bifurcated amendments scaled back demands of residents in unincorporated parts of the county. Many live within the boundaries of the Conservation and Agricultural District, which is located in the northern part of Shelby County, near Millington.
They were voted on separately out of concern the new language would differ from the city council’s version. If that happens, both city and county charters allow for a conference committee to be formed. If the two sides still can’t hammer out an agreement, the joint ordinance will fail.
Council unianimously opposed to armed teacher bill
Members also approved a nonbinding resolution 11-0 expressing opposition to a bill approved by the Republican-dominated Tennessee Legislature on Tuesday, April 23. It would permit public school teachers and administrators to carry firearms on school property.
The bill has been sent to Gov. Bill Lee for his signature.
Popular and talented Memphis musician Suavo Jones soulfully played both the U.S. national anthem and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice & Sing,” on his trombone unaccompanied. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Remembering Fort Pillow (Photos: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
1 of 7
Popular and talented Memphis musician Suavo Jones soulfully played both the U.S. national anthem and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice & Sing,” on his trombone unaccompanied. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Memphis Police Department officers presented the colors as well as a riderless horse (at right). (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Officers from the Memphis Police Department provide a 21 gun salute to the fallen at Fort Pillow. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Participants pay their respects to the tragedy at Fort Pillow.(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Tennessee State Rep. Justin J. Pearson delivers fiery remarks as the keynote speaker at the Fort Pillow memorial ceremony.(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
The Fort Pillow Memorial Ceremony was held at the Memphis National Cemetary.(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
Former U.S. Marine Charley Wells masterfully played “Taps.”(Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
By Ronald C. Herd II, Special to The Tri-State Defender
“Remember Fort Pillow!” was the battle cry, and 160 years later, The W.E. A.L.L. B.E. Group, Inc. (WeAllBe) honored the immortal words and sacrifices of our ancestors. April 12 this year was the actual 160th anniversary of nearly 300 souls, mostly U.S. Colored Troops, white Union soldiers, and even Black women and children, meeting their demise by being martyred and massacred by Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest (notorious slave trader, co-founder and the first grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan) and his 1,500-member-plus Confederate Army.
This atrocity happened during the American Civil War (1861-1864). Controversy still lingers to this day on what really happened. A U.S. Congressional inquiry was conducted by interviewing individuals from both sides of the conflict, participants and eyewitnesses alike. After the investigation, the following conclusion was stated by the 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln on May 3, 1864: “It is now quite certain that a large number of our colored soldiers, with their officers, were, by the rebel force, massacred after they had surrendered, at the recent capture of Fort Pillow.”
This April 2024, WeAllBe dedicated two weeks to commemorate this bloody chapter in United States history, to give honor to those “Righteous AnceSTARs” who made the ultimate sacrifice so that their kin and descendants could live ‘free’ for generations to come. The commemoration started on April 6 at the opening reception for the art show “Using Our Art To Tell Our Stories III: We Remember Fort Pillow (What About The Legacies?)” at the prestigious Withers Collection Museum & Gallery at 333 Beale Street.
Entertainment for the event was provided by gifted performers DJ Kai’yrs Slayer, Jackie Murray, Bridge Muhammad & Yung Praise. The art exhibit, which runs through April 20, features the works of ten supremely talented Black visual storytellers, with each offering their own unique perspectives on the Fort Pillow Massacre as well as their interpretations of its aftermath/legacy. The featured artists are Carl Moore, Phillip Dotson, Darlene Newman, Myke Newman, Sir Walt, Madame Z., Marz Rockswell, Fatia Webb, Roy Hawkins, Jr., & R2C2H2 Tha Artivist (Ronald C. Herd II).
April 10, “The WE ALL BE Remembering Fort Pillow 160 Years Later” Legacy Awards took place at Abyssinian Missionary Baptist Church. This was done as a tribute to great Black Memphians who have honored the memories of the ‘Righteous AnceSTARs’ by ‘Using Their Creative Genius & Exceptional Dedicated Service For The Upliftment & Empowerment of HUE-MANEity.’ W.E. A.LL. B.E. SoulJAHs Award honorees included Mary Mitchell, Karanja Ajanaku, Anthony AMP Elmore, Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher, Dr. Louvisia Conley, James DEKE Pope, Cedric Moore & Justin J. Pearson. Entertainment was provided by gospel rapper Yung Praise.
On April 12, the annual wreath-laying ceremony took place at Memphis National Cemetery. WeAllBe started this tradition on April 12, 2016. Color guard, riderless horse, and 21-gun salute were provided by the Memphis Police Department. Former U.S. Marine Charley Wells masterfully played “Taps.”
Popular and talented Memphis musician Suavo Jones soulfully played both the U.S. national anthem and the Black national anthem, “Lift Every Voice & Sing,” on his trombone unaccompanied. Dr. Barbara Fitzhugh provided a soul-stirring rendition of “Amazing Grace,” and TN State Rep. Justin Pearson gave a tremendous speech that could have awakened the dead and electrified the living souls gathered and listening within earshot.
Yung Praise rapped and sang his way into the hearts of those willing to receive his testimony. Names of the U.S. Colored Troops and white Union soldiers slaughtered were also read. Patricia Lee did a wonderful job as mistress of ceremonies. People honored with W.E. A.LL. B.E. SoulJAHs Awards at this event included TN State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, Joe Williams (Fort Pillow descendant), Head Fort Pillow Historic State Park Ranger Robby Tidwell, and the late great former TN State Sen. Reginald Tate for ‘Using Their Creative Genius & Exceptional Dedicated Service For The Upliftment & Empowerment of HUE-MANEity.’
On April 13, WeAllBe organized the 160th Anniversary Fort Pillow Massacre program at Fort Pillow Historic State Park. Participants included Fort Pillow descendent Yulandia Burgess, Professor Gene Tinnie, and State Rep. G.A. Hardaway, among others. The names of those who lost their lives were read once again by the collective.
Professor Gene Tinnie was honored with a W.E. A.LL. B.E. SoulJAHs Award for ‘Using His Creative Genius & Exceptional Dedicated Service For The Upliftment & Empowerment of HUE-MANEity.’ A wreath-laying ceremony also took place on the actual battleground where the massacre took place. Reflections were given. Dr. Fitzhugh, who performed “Amazing Grace” earlier, provided a beautiful rendition of the song “Memories” for this sober yet cathartic occasion. A military presentation was performed to conclude the ceremony.
In closing, please remember that words create worlds. With that said, I would like to offer these words of hope from Dr. Callie Herd, WeAllBe vice-president and the visionary behind the Fort Pillow Massacre Project:
“My faith is this: that one day, we, as Black people, will learn our culture, we’ll learn our history, we’ll understand that we should not be afraid of our history, but that we should take pride in it and we’ll be a culture like other cultures that teach it to the young ones.”
City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young sketched out an abbreviated version of his proposed $834 million 2025 budget — including a 75-cent property tax increase — to city council members during their Tuesday, April 23 meeting.
“My intent, definitely, was not to raise taxes,” Young said. “We have two options: we cut programs, services and people, or we can raise taxes. These really are the two options. I look at this as more revenue, more opportunity.”
For the owner of a $100,000 home, the hike would amount to an additional $188, raising their annual tab to roughly $863. The hypothetical bill currently amounts to $675.
According to the first-term mayor, the hike is necessary to protect the city’s bond rating.
“There are standards that are given to us from the rating agencies and the comptroller for the state for how we should maintain our balance,” Young said. “If your rating agencies downgrade us, we’re paying more for the debt.”
The tax is also estimated to add $105 million to the general fund annually.
Credit agencies require cities to maintain a minimum surplus of 10 percent of their budget in a rainy day account. The city’s goal is to maintain $110 million in the fund.
“We’re $20 million away from being below that standard,” said Young.
The state is even more hard-nosed.
Ideally, the comptroller expects two months operating income – $140 million in this case – to be set aside. There will be a $53 million shortfall on that front, if no action is taken.
Since the surplus years of the pandemic – which included a $163 million of federal ARPA funding in 2021 – annual contributions to the general fund, or “rainy-day fund” have waned. By comparison, only $6 million was added last year.
“This year…we balanced our budget by having to pull from our rainy day fund at $11.7 million,” reminded Young.
This was due to additional costs to the Memphis Fire Department’s payroll. The council approved the funding earlier in the month. The new hires were not factored in to former Mayor Jim Strickland’s 2024 budget.
If an increase isn’t passed, the city will need to raid therainy-day fund again. However, Young has signaled his intention not to use the fund.
“Across these years, those dollars have been applied and we are where we are,” explained Young.
The additional revenue would also fund priorities, like crime-reduction programs and across-the-board raises for city employees.
Staffing is a “primary deficit-driver.” The increased costs are fueled by vacancy-filling. Due to competition from the private market – and higher-paying municipalities – attrition has taken a toll across city divisions.
“Those are people that get trained-up as fast as they can and leave for another job,” said Young.
All told, new hires account for a $10 million budget hit.
“When we start talking about costs, unless we’re impacting personnel, it’s really hard to get the major reductions that we want. That’s not to say we can’t find things. We’ll go through months of this process. We’ll find some things,” said Young.
Seventy percent of Young’s first budget request is devoted to personnel costs. In addition to new hires, the proposal also asks for a 3 percent raise for all city employees. Nearly three-quarters of personnel costs are public safety-related, Memphis Police Department and Memphis Fire Department staff.
Public Works, Solid Waste, Community Assets and other divisions make up the rest of the payroll costs.
There are additional costs too. An adjustment to the state’s appraisal ratio runs $14 million. Pension contributions tack on another $14 million, then add another $15 million for inflation, likewise under budget operations – like the Memphis Fire Department payroll shortfall.
“It was one of the most in-depth presentations we’ve seen, as it relates to the proposed budget,” said Council Chairman JB Smiley. “We just look forward to engaging the people and ultimately hear from the people and see what they think about the proposed budget.”
Protesters screamed “blood on your hands!” then lay down on the floor of the Tennessee State Capitol as if they were victims of gun violence, after lawmakers passed legislation Tuesday to let some teachers and staff carry guns at school.
In between, House Speaker Cameron Sexton paused business in the House of Representatives and ordered state troopers to clear the spectator gallery of protesters.
The 68-28 vote came one year after an intruder shot and killed three children and three adults at a Nashville school, prompting mass protests by gun control advocates and ongoing calls for tighter gun laws.
But instead of restricting gun access in one of America’s most gun-friendly states, the GOP-controlled legislature is sending Republican Gov. Bill Lee a bill that would expand it.
Gun control advocates were angry.
“They’re going in the wrong direction,” said Marley Mello, a 15-year-old Nashville student. “Guns are the problem, not the solution.”
Lisa Bruce, a retired Tennessee principal, called it a “Band-Aid to cover a gaping wound.”
“I could maybe get on board with it if we were already doing common sense measures to reduce gun violence in our state,” she said. “But this feels like a huge leap.”
After the bill’s passage, students shout in protest in the rotunda of the Tennessee State Capitol. (Marta W. Aldrich / Chalkbeat)
The bill’s Republican sponsors have said the legislation is needed to provide an armed presence on every Tennessee school campus, especially in rural areas. Nearly a third of the state’s 1,800-plus public schools don’t have a school resource officer, despite an influx of state money to pay for them, due to a shortage in the profession.
On the House floor, Rep. Ryan Williams, of Cookeville, emphasized that carrying a gun would be voluntary, and allowed only if the local school district and law enforcement agencies agree to the policy. The school employee carrying the gun would have to have an enhanced permit, complete 40 hours of certified training in school policing at their own expense, and pass a mental health evaluation and FBI background check.
Republican lawmakers voting for the measure liked that local officials ultimately could decide whether the policy works for their community.
“I trust my local law enforcement. I trust my director of schools. I trust my teacher,” said Rep. Brock Martin, of Huntingdon.
But Democrats said the effort was misguided, shortsighted, and dangerous.
“We’re going to give somebody a little pop gun to go against a weapon of war. It does not work, folks,” said Rep. Bo Mitchell, of Nashville.
Tennesseans would be better served, Democrats argued, if the legislature passed laws requiring safe storage of firearms and background checks, as well as to temporarily remove guns from any person who is an imminent risk to themselves or others — all proposals that have been defeated by Republicans in charge.
The vote came after an hour of debate in which Democrats tried unsuccessfully to change the bill to exclude their counties, ensure parents are notified when their child’s teacher is armed, or remove a clause that shields districts and law enforcement agencies from civil lawsuits over how a school employee uses, or doesn’t use, a gun.
“While we all want safe schools and an end to gun violence, arming teachers with guns is not the way,” wrote Sarah Shoop Neumann, whose 5-year-old son was enrolled in Covenant’s preschool.
Another Covenant parent, Mary Joyce, called the bill “ludicrous.”
“Had my daughter’s teacher left the classroom to pursue the shooter, a classroom of 9-year-olds would have been left to protect themselves,” Joyce said.
Jeff Bledsoe, the executive director of the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association, told Chalkbeat he expects few teachers to carry a gun if the bill becomes law. More likely candidates, he said, are school staff members who have a military or law enforcement background.
His organization opposed the legislation in 2019 when Williams sponsored a similar bill. However, it is neutral on the current bill after working with the sponsors to add more requirements before a person can carry a weapon at school.
Two weeks earlier, the bill easily cleared the Senate, where spectators also were ejected from the gallery after defying warnings from Lt. Gov. Randy McNally to stay quiet.
The governor has signaled he likely will sign the measure into law.
“I’ve said for many years that I’m open to the idea, but the particulars are important,” he told reporters last week.
An advocate for parental rights, the governor declined to comment on the bill’s intent to block a parent from being notified if their child’s teacher is carrying a gun.
Marta Aldrich is a senior correspondent and covers the statehouse for Chalkbeat Tennessee. Contact her at maldrich@chalkbeat.org.
Chalkbeat is a nonprofit news site covering educational change in public schools.
TSD Education Columnist Curtis Weathers says that gifted and talented children need support too.
Gifted and talented elementary students are a remarkable group of young individuals who possess an extraordinary capacity for learning, creativity, and intellectual curiosity. These young prodigies excel not only academically, but they often display remarkable talents in areas such as music, art, and sports. Their ability to think critically, adapt to new situations, and solve complex problems sets them apart.
TSD education columnist Curtis Weathers
The uniqueness of gifted and talented students lies not only in their exceptional cognitive abilities but also in their passion for exploration, their desire to delve deeper into subjects that captivate them, and their ability to make connections and solve problems in innovative ways.
These young minds are not just students, they are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers. Their potential to shape our world and push the boundaries of what we believe is possible is truly awe-inspiring.
I recently had an opportunity to meet and talk with one of these individuals. His name is Hazen Walker, and he did not disappoint. He is a 10-year-old native of Memphis, currently living in Houston, Texas. We met through a friend, his grandfather, Pastor Marvin Mims.
Hazen
Hazen is a brilliant young boy and is enrolled in his school’s gifted and talented program.
We connected via Zoom and talked about everything from his experiences at school, sports, family, his faith, and one of his favorite pastimes, building Lego models. It was an uplifting and inspiring conversation!
Gifted and talented programs in public schools across the United States are designed to provide advanced educational opportunities for students like Hazen, who demonstrate exceptional abilities or potential in areas such as academics, creativity, leadership, or the arts.
Young, gifted children often display various characteristics that set them apart from their peers. For example, gifted children often have a remarkable memory, recalling facts, details, and events with ease. Many learn to read exceptionally early and demonstrate a natural grasp of mathematical concepts.
They approach challenges with innovative thinking and enjoy puzzles and complex tasks.
One of Hazen’s favorite pastimes is the love and enjoyment he gets from playing with his Lego sets. He has created an impressive collection of Lego models over the years. In addition, his career aspiration is that of an architect. He wants to build things!
Hazen Walker’s first book is “Walker’s Wise Words.” (Courtesy Photo)
Hazen has written and published his first children’s book, “Walker’s Wise Words.” His book reminds its readers of the importance of listening to and obeying God’s word and encourages them to “Walk in Wisdom.” He is already working on book number two as well. The inspiration for his book came from wanting to create something that everyone from all walks of life could read and relate to.
Hazen has a fascination with comic books. He has been creating comic books since the age of six. Those books were only known to his family but later served as drafts for his new book.
According to Hazen, the characters in his book are inspired by his friends and family members, including his brother Addison and grandfather, Pastor Marvin Mims, Sr., who is himself a writer and author.
So, Hazen is both an accomplished author and an aspiring architect, all at the tender age of ten years old.
Despite their brilliance, its important to remember that smart kids are STILL kids and need support, Weathers writes. (Courtesy Photo)
The conversation with Hazen brought to mind the challenges and problems that yet linger around the issues related to identifying and servicing gifted and talented students.
Gifted programs have been a feature of our public school system for over a century. Nationwide, these programs serve a relatively small share of the total student population.
However, it’s important to note that the actual percentage of students labeled as gifted and talented can vary significantly by state, district, and even individual schools, particularly in the age of charter schools, which have more freedom and flexibility when making such determinations.
Most estimates suggest that somewhere between 5% and 10% of the student population may be gifted.
Of course, it is also worth noting that there are ongoing concerns about the underrepresentation of low-income and minority students in these programs. Despite efforts to increase diversity and equity, these students continue to be significantly underrepresented.
This disparity is often attributed to factors such as biased identification methods, lack of access to resources and opportunities, and cultural barriers that may hinder the recognition and nurturing of their exceptional abilities.
Addressing this underrepresentation is crucial to ensuring that all gifted and talented students, regardless of their race or background, have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
The challenge for educational leaders is how to address the needs of gifted children so that they can get the appropriate teaching and learning experiences that will help them excel.
This is not always a simple issue to address.
Not all gifted children are the same; every child is unique. Gifted children often experience developmental differences. Their intellectual abilities may be far ahead of their physical, social, or emotional maturity. This can be problematic at times.
Despite their exceptional abilities, gifted children have special learning needs that, if not addressed, can lead to frustration, boredom, a loss of self-esteem, and underachievement. Understanding these challenges is critical to their development.
The awesomeness of gifted and talented children, especially at the elementary level, lies not just in their current achievements but also in their boundless potential to impact their communities and the world at large significantly.
Hazen has a fantastic team of supporters (i.e., his family, school, church, and friends) to assist in his growth and development. We wish him nothing but the best and look forward to reading his many books in the future.
The Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis (PBWM) announced Thursday that it is offering grants of up to $5,000 to local nonprofits focused on economic self-sufficiency within Shelby County.
Eligible organizations, which must possess a 501(c)(3) status and operate on an annual budget of less than $250,000, are invited to apply for this annual funding opportunity.
Sharon Devine Harris, president of PBWM, emphasized the organization’s commitment to supporting the community.
“It is our responsibility to give back to the community that has given us so much,” Harris said. “Our members look forward to reviewing the applications and awarding grants to organizations providing exceptional support to our residents.”
The grants aim to bolster efforts in career development, education, entrepreneurship, scholarship, and health, reflecting PBWM’s broader mission to foster economic empowerment. However, the organization clarified that it would not fund individuals, for-profit entities, churches, or initiatives promoting religious activities. Additionally, projects must not start before the grant process completion and must comply with federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws concerning equal employment opportunities.
Interested nonprofits can access grant applications now, with a deadline set for April 26, 2024.
The selection process will include application reviews, with interviews to be conducted by May 1. Finalists will be announced by May 15, and the grant recipients will be revealed on May 31, 2024.
About Philanthropic Black Women of Memphis:
Founded in January 2005, PBWM is a group of eight progressive and civic-minded women dedicated to contributing positively to their community. The organization, privately funded by its members, focuses on initiatives that promote community growth and individual empowerment in Memphis.
In an effort to fight crime, the Economic Development Growth Engine Board recently approved up to $250,000 annually to fund improvements in high-crime areas.
The program is a part of a “holistic” approach to crime reduction the City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young’s administration has taken. The upgrades will feature urban and architectural designs, along with the use of the natural surrounding environment.
The first-term mayor has made crime-reduction the priority of his administration.
“As part of our commitment to fostering economic vitality and community safety, we are proud to partner with EDGE and introduce a groundbreaking initiative that combines economic empowerment with crime prevention,” said City of Memphis Mayor Paul Young in a statement.
“By investing in this effort, we not only spur economic development but also create safer environments that empower residents and deter criminal activity. Together, we are reshaping the narrative of our neighborhoods, turning challenges into opportunities, and building a brighter future for all.”
Eligible small businesses can apply for loans to make improvements, like lighting and camera installation, or fencing.
EDGE approved the measure during its April 17 meeting and will fund the program for four years on an annual basis.
“CPTED (Crime Prevention Through Environmental Designs) exemplifies our dedication to innovative solutions and underscores our belief in the transformative potential of empowering local businesses,” said Dr. Joann Massey, EDGE Vice President of Operations in a statement. “This initiative underscores our unwavering commitment to innovation, resilience, and the belief that every small business deserves the chance to thrive.”
The requirements will be much like the nonprofit Inner City Economic Development (ICED) program, which allow for a maximum of $25,000 to individual businesses. ICED loans are also allotted for CPTEDs.
A memorandum of agreement will be entered into by the City of Memphis and EDGE. It will spell out the requirements and responsibilities of applicants.
Following due diligence, businesses that quality will receive funding through loans or reimbursement grants.
EDGE is the economic development agency for both the City of Memphis and Shelby County.
From the 90s, hip-hop group Arrested Development rocked their top hit "Tennessee" at Africa in April 2024. (Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprise/Tri-State Defender)
Africa in April 2024 took place recently in Downtown Memphis and our photographer, Gary S. Whitlow was on hand with his camera.
There are so many great images, we’re still going through them and will update this slideshow, but we didn’t want to wait to get you these great sights from Africa in April! Check them out — and check again, because more are on the way!
Africa in April 2024 - Photos by Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender
Those are among the latest casualties in Memphis’ ongoing war with gun violence. This time, it was an unsanctioned block party in Orange Mound where gunfire sent some people running for cover and others to the hospital.
Disturbing video from social media shows groups of young men waving guns in the air before the chaos ensued. Video from a dropped phone sounds like a war zone in Gaza or Ukraine, with the distinct chatter of automatic gunfire and screaming. This clip seems to catch the moment the gunfire started, followed by a stampede of people running for their lives:
Police are still searching for suspects, but the identities of the deceased have been confirmed:
Latest from MPD on mass shooting at block party from this weekend in Orange Mound. 22-year-old Chalmar Fason, and a 17-year-old male victim were killed. Seven others were injured including a 16-year-old girl. The latest on @3onyourside at noon.https://t.co/uqEHJFKOxR
And based on reactions on social media, people are searching for . . . . answers? Meaning? Sense? Maybe all of that. But from elected officials to community leaders, everyone wants the violence to stop. In a statement, Althea Greene, Chair of the MCSC School Board, chimed in on the tragedy:
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic mass shooting that happened in Orange Mound this past weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with those who are deeply impacted by this tragedy. We echo the sentiments of our city and county leaders that we all must do our part to stop these senseless acts of violence and protect our young people and the future of this city.”
State Senator Antonio Parkinson, like many of us, is sending “thoughts and prayers” but says more action is needed to tighten up gun laws.
I’ve struggled with what to say about the Orange Mound mass shooting. It is expected for us to make a statement when these things happen. And…I’m still struggling with making a statement because I am truly at a loss for words. If we use fiery words like, “they will be brought…
— State Representative Antonio Parkinson (@TNRepParkinson) April 21, 2024
State Rep. Justin J. Pearson:
Our city is mourning a mass shooting in Memphis (Orange Mound),Tennessee. Two people have passed away & over a dozen have been injured. I’m mad. I’m devastated. I’m heartbroken. As a legislator, I’m not powerless. We aren’t powerless. We must fight for our beloved community.
Praying for the #OrangeMound community and our entire city. Such a senseless and foolish act of mass violence- lives lost and shattered and a community terrorized. I’m so angry. And sad. We’ve got to get these guns off our streets. We’ve got to get these folks that are… https://t.co/XFTmxGRsjd
Memphis Mayor Paul Young still stands by Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn 'C.J.' Davis, who will now serve in an interim role, with hopes she can win the job permanently again. (Photo: Gary S. Whitlow/GSW Enterprises/Tri-State Defender)
During the recent Black Mayor’s Coalition on Crime gathering in Memphis, participants got to exchange ideas and concepts with one another in hopes of reducing crime. And it appears that on at least one concept, Memphis has found a template to follow.
This week, Memphis City Council Chair JB Smiley Jr. is expected to introduce an ordinance creating a public safety foundation. The foundation would conduct research and accept private donations to help fund crime reduction efforts.
He was joined by Mayor Paul Young and interim Memphis Police Department Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis, as he spoke to reporters. Several fellow council members were present too.
“I think what this signifies by the various people standing here, that this administration, this council, this chamber means business when it comes to crime,” said Smiley.
The proposed philanthropic and research foundation would be funded by private donations. It would also be tailored to Memphis’ specific needs.
Along with researching best practices, the foundation could aid officer recruitment and retention through tuition reimbursement. It could also pickup the tab on the costs of allowing off-duty officers to take patrol cars home. Both are currently funded in the budget.
If the proposal passes, a consultant is expected to be hired.
Another potential hire could be a public-safety director position for the City of Memphis. Mayor Young has announced his intentions to create the position.
The appointee could work alongside the foundation and Davis.
Prior to the selection of the Atlanta model, city leaders had expressed interest in different approaches to tackling pervasive crime. In late March, Young hosted a conference of Black leaders from 18 U.S. cities. Crime reduction efforts were on the tips of attendants’ tongues throughout the three day summit.
