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...

Judge blocks National Guard moves in Illinois

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

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.

Opinion: Why Shelby County is investing in neighborhood-level preventive care “By focusing on preventive care, ShelbyCares helps residents avoid costly medical interventions, contributing to long-term savings in healthcare costs and improving overall community health.”

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.

Trump says he’ll send the National Guard to Memphis to address crime concerns President Donald Trump says he'll send the National Guard to Memphis to address crime concerns there with the support of the mayor and the governor.

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.