Congratulations to Dr. Roderick Richmond on being named the permanent Superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools. I look forward to working alongside Dr. Richmond as we continue strengthening public education and expanding opportunity for every child in Shelby County.

I recently addressed the community about conditions at 201 Poplar. Mothers shared powerful testimony about how their justice-involved sons have been impacted. In 2026, we need a clear plan from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office focused on sustainable solutions, safety, and dignity.

Let’s hope the state doesn’t agree with these 2 that 2026 is the time to blow up our school system. After years of tumult, we don’t need to start over.. again. When the state took over and created ASD, it was on a very limited scale, but still a “disaster.” dailymemphian.com/article/5968...

Proud to join the coalition of county mayors signing the Tennessee Justice Center letter urging Gov. Bill Lee to bring back Summer EBT in 2026. Opting out costs families $120 per child, leaves kids hungry when school is out, and turns away federal dollars that fed 700,000 children last year.

We believe Shelby County Government will soon be the first government in the South to limit solitary confinement in our Division of Corrections. Known as the Mandela Rules, as a reminder of the inhumane treatment of Nelson Mandela in South Africa, this new Ordinance is now on third reading.

The holiday season can lead to more vulnerability for our communities already feeling fear and uncertainty. Jessica Miller joined us to talk about how the The Collective Good Immigrant Pantry is giving back to the community.

The attempt at militarizing American cities is failing. In our lawsuit against the Governor, we’re pleased that the Chancellor stated that the deployment of the National Guard in TN is illegal. This is likely the first state action against the occupation of U.S. cities and sets a clear precedent.

The Court has issued a favorable decision on our motion for a temporary injunction enjoining the National Guard deployment in TN. It doesn’t take effect immediately. There are opportunities for appeal. It’s a positive step toward ensuring that the law applies to all dailymemphian.com/article/5689...

We brought together local pastors who shared how the federal occupation deeply affected their congregations. #FreeTennessee

With the transfer of operations to our administration, transportation to and from the Juvenile Court of Memphis and Shelby County for youth housed at YJEC resumed this week. Reinstatement of this service ensures youth get to their hearings on time, respecting their legal right to due process.

Last week's community update shed light on the lingering effects of a federal occupation on our youth. Advocates across the mental health, education, and social services sectors are doing inspiring work to empower young people, keep them safe, and amplify their voices. #FreeTennessee

During a recent press briefing, plaintiffs and lawyers spoke about the case against Governor Bill Lee, promoting transparency and accountability. These conversations gave the public a direct window into the legal challenge of Governor Lee’s deployment of the National Guard in Tennessee. #FreeTN

The data from 201 Poplar is beginning to come in, showing the increased load on our criminal justice system in recent days. Shelby County bookings and bail setting events have nearly doubled compared to 2023 and 2024.

The deployment of the National Guard in this manner is unconstitutional, as the Constitution permits such action only through the General Assembly in cases of rebellion or invasion, neither of which exists today. www.commercialappeal.com/story/news/l...

No American city is a war zone. Kudos to this judge who recognizes this. This is the kind of check on executive overreach we desperately need. #FreeTennessee https://www.politico.com/newsletters/illinois-playbook/2025/10/10/judge-blocks-national-guard-move-to-illinois-00601850#FreeTennessee

Many Memphians have noticed similar helicopters circling Downtown and hovering low over neighborhoods. Like Portland said, what is going on? Our administration has received no information about why a military-style helicopter has been circling the city. #FreeTennessee

Joining the National Civil Rights Museum to open the BlueCross Healthy Place at Founders Park is a reminder of Dr. King’s living legacy in Memphis. Investing in families is how we build a community that’s stronger, happier, and safer for everyone.

Youth leaders from across Shelby County spoke out at the Board of Commissioners Meeting. They bravely voiced deep concerns about the deployment of the National Guard to Memphis. I’m disappointed commissioners weren’t convinced and many voted against opposing occupation in TN. #FreeTennessee

Shelby County resident, Mr. Early Taylor, turned 100 years old last month. We cherish centenarians who chose to live their golden years here. With a century of wisdom, Mr. Early's memories connect us to our history and enrich the place we all call home.

After troops were deployed to D.C., streets emptied out and local businesses saw sales collapse. Uncertainty hurts local economies. We can’t afford that in Tennessee. We need solutions that support our small businesses, not hurt them. #FreeTennessee

Here’s what our Attorney General said in 2021. But this isn’t a complex legal issue, and abiding by the law isn’t partisan. No state official can send troops into Tennessee towns and cities whenever he wants. Our Governor should abide by the Tennessee Constitution, or try to amend it. #FreeTennessee

The news of Myron Lowery’s passing is a great loss for Memphis. Our city has lost not only a dedicated public servant but also a man whose leadership and vision encouraged our community to strive for better.

The ShelbyCares initiative with UTHSC is using free access to preventive care to improve our greatest health disparities. Read for yourself: https://dailymemphian.com/section/opinionguest-columnists/article/55352/opinion-shelbycares-neighborhood-level-preventive-care-memphis-shelby-county

Here's what the Tennessee Constitution says about a Tennessee Governor sending National Guard troops into Tennessee communities this week. Let me summarize: He can't do it. #FreeTennessee

Today marks the 238th anniversary of our Constitution. Today, our most sacred document is under severe strain. Nevertheless, our constitutional democracy has stood for more than 2 centuries, and despite the President’s push to occupy TN with military forces, the Constitution will still stand.

“ONLY I CAN SAVE THEM!!” Are posts, like this one, real or AI? We don’t usually follow President Trump.

Mr. President, we aren’t “happy.” We’re not happy you’re calling for the militarization of Tennessee. Not happy to see the obliteration of America’s most important norms. Not happy at all with occupation, armored vehicles, semi-automatic weapons, and personnel in fatigues. apnews.com/article/trum...

This summer, Rep. @jrclemmons.bsky.social left Nashville and hit the road to talk to communities in different areas of TN, including in West TN. This week on Legislately, Rep. Clemmons recaps his takeaways and vision for a stronger Tennessee. It's streaming now: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/m...

Opportunities for young folks are growing in South Memphis. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate Memphis Inner City Rugby and its soon-to-be home field. This transformation will impact athletes across the region. See what's to come here: wreg.com/news/rugby-f...

Today is the day. Shelby County Government will dedicate our first transitional house. We currently have individuals going through the re-entry process there so they have a stable, supportive place to call home as they rebuild their lives. Join us for this new chapter.

Join us in celebrating Shelby County Government's first transitional housing facility, a vital step in offering stability, dignity, and a fresh start for those re-entering society. Thanks to Commission for funding this effort with a near unanimous vote in support.

We have named new leadership at the Crime Victims & Rape Crisis Center and charged them to expand our reach to ensure every survivor gets the care, dignity, and support they deserve. The number of residents using CVRCC is growing and we have leaders to steer it into the future.

Shane Young leaves a legacy in Shelby County of uplifting our youth. It's Shane's tenacity and belief in our community's kids that will soon transform the site of the old Vance School into a state of the art rugby field. Thank you, Shane. bit.ly/3U1dE7l

The Youth & Family Resource Center just saw its 1,000th client and 90 percent of the youth report having zero run ins with the justice system post visit. The #FY26Budget has more positions for the center to reduce youth getting in trouble and support families. #TheWorkContinues

Nelson Mandela called solitary confinement the most forbidding aspect of prison. Shelby County Government now adheres to the Mandela Rules to prohibit solitary confinement at the Div. of Corrections. Inducing anxiety & mental illness aren't punishments we should condone in 2025.

Wishing Judge Gardner a well-earned break from the bench and best wishes in her next chapter. With years of dedicated service to our courts and nearly half a century in public service, Shelby County is grateful for the lasting mark you will leave.

I'm encouraged the proposal DA Mulroy & I have for a Shelby County crime lab received initial funding. It would focus on DNA, digital forensics & ballistics to enhance local law enforcement’s crime-solving ability. See our plan here: bit.ly/442C9FW

Today, 14 incredible young people will receive the first-ever Shelby County Government Rising Star Awards. From authors to pilots to youth advocates, they’re leading, learning, and lifting others. I'm proud to honor the next generation of leaders. #OurNextEra

Shelby County Government has worked to empower families through paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and increased living wages. In the #FY26Budget we are supporting more family choice. It includes $800k for the county's first employee IVF program. #TheWorkContinues

We are in the midst of reviewing the various amendments from last night’s marathon Commission meeting, but I am very pleased that the Commission approved funding for the focused crime lab proposed by DA Mulroy and yours truly, and that they adopted our proposed tax rate of $2.69.

Following this demolition, the construction of Shelby County Government's first mental health facility is set to begin. This marks a new phase in transforming how we tackle public safety by getting individuals needed care and out of the overcrowded jail.

KeShaun Pearson is an advocate for environmental protections, particularly for the residents of southwest Memphis. This week, I plan to nominate him to the Air Pollution Control Board. If new rules are needed, I believe he can help lead us into a cleaner, safer, and healthier future.

This #Juneteenth week reminds us that freedom isn't symbolic, it must be real. Ending the bonds of solitary confinement improves safety for Corrections' staff, increases transparency in operations & gives inmates a fighting chance at re-entering our community rehabilitated.

We invest in opportunities for all kids, from free museum entry & summer camp to STEM trips out of state. This year we’re proud to keep investing in Comm. Henri Brooks’ Summer Camp Program, because every child deserves a summer full of experiences. #TheWorkContinues #FY26Budget

The #FY26Budget is stepping up where the federal government has stepped back. This budget includes over $400k for the Mid-South Food Bank which has been impacted by the cuts in Washington. We must take care of our own and prioritize nonprofits pouring love into our community.

Since we added an Arts & Culture Liaison, we’ve seen the power of connection open doors for organizations and families. The #FY26Budget includes a Faith-Based Liaison to deepen ties with those pillars in our community to unlock resources and new opportunities. #TheWorkContinues

Shelby County has talented, kind, and ambitious youth. Please consider nominating the spectacular youth in your life for a Rising Star Award. This is part of an inaugural program where we'll recognize dozens of young people. Find out more here: bit.ly/NominateRisi...

Since 2018, our Emergency Management & Homeland Security has expanded its reach from the Mississippi to the Smokies. They are answering every call to save lives & deliver aid. To support continued rapid emergency response, this budget adds more responders to the agency. #TheWorkContinues #FY26Budget

These cuts are far-reaching. The Trump cuts resulted in residents losing jobs and the termination of some services meant for our most vulnerable. dailymemphian.com/subscriber/s...

At the #SouthernJusticeSummit, Casey Bryant of Advocates for Immigrant Rights spoke on the uncertainty many immigrant families face. To reach out to panelists for guidance, visit Mid-South Immigration Advocates at miamemphis.org or Advocates for Immigrant Rights at airlegal.org.