In May, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey delivered a message of hope, urgency, and civic engagement to Memphis leaders and newly minted law graduates—just weeks after completing a record-setting, 25-hour filibuster on the floor of the U.S. Senate.
The visit, which included a gathering of local political, business, and civic figures, and a commencement address at the University of Memphis Law School, came at a pivotal moment in Booker’s national advocacy efforts. In April, the senator drew national attention for holding the Senate floor for more than 25 hours in opposition to proposed budget cuts to Medicaid and Social Security. During his marathon speech, Booker read personal stories from Americans facing economic hardship, aiming to highlight the real-world impact of policy decisions.
Following a stop in Nashville, Booker arrived in Memphis on May 10 with characteristic enthusiasm, reconnecting with a city he described as “familiar and inspiring.” He addressed a private midday event hosted by entrepreneur Craig Weiss, with a crowd that included Memphis Mayor Paul Young, who introduced the senator.
“Senator Booker was thoughtful, engaging and very direct about what citizens need to do to change the course of this country,” said Mary McDaniel, a Memphis entrepreneur who served on the event’s host committee. “A major takeaway is that we all have to be committed to letting our elected officials know what we think about their actions.”
Notable attendees included Congressman Steve Cohen, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, City Councilman J.B. Smiley, Commissioner Mickell Lowery, and Michigan State Sen. Joe Tate, who is currently running for U.S. Senate.
Later that day, Booker addressed the 2025 graduating class of the University of Memphis Law School at the invitation of Law School Dean and former Memphis mayor Jim Strickland.
“We were honored to have Senator Booker as our commencement speaker,” said Strickland. “He inspired our graduates to serve their clients and communities with purpose.”
The visit reinforced Booker’s national message: that public service begins with listening to people’s stories, standing up for core values, and encouraging civic responsibility at every level of leadership.
