Weekly Update

Friends,

Tomorrow marks twenty years since nearly 3,000 people were devastatingly taken during one of the most horrific acts our nation has ever seen.

It’s a rare occasion when someone can ask a question about a specific point in time from 20 years ago and you can remember exactly where you were and what you were doing.

The morning of September 11, 2001 is one of those occasions.

In the hours, days and weeks that followed, our country’s first responders showed us all how truly brave and dedicated they are. They risked their lives—many of them paying the ultimate sacrifice—to save the life of a stranger.

Here locally, they are no different, and we see it every day.

We’ve seen it even more up close and personal over the last eighteen months as our members of the Memphis Fire and Police Departments have battled day-in and day-out during the COVID-19 pandemic.

We can never thank them enough for the service they provide each day, but nonetheless, it is incumbent on us to try.

To the men, women, and the families of MFD and MPD—thank you. Thank you for working each day to keep us safe and for every sacrifice you make to do so.

As we move through the weekend, I hope we can all please take time to reflect, and if we see a first responder—thank them for their service to our community.

Also—if you get a chance, head down to river right off Bass Pro Dr. The National Exchange Club set up an American flag display that is truly remarkable. I stopped by one afternoon this week and took a picture to commemorate the experience.

A nation of immigrants: At the base of the Statue of Liberty are words from the poem The New Colossus. These words, in particular, some up who we are and should continue to strive to be as a nation:

 

"Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

 

Those words, written over 100 years ago, still ring as true as the day they were written.

 

The greatness of any is city is measured by its people. That’s why this past Thursday, I was honored, along with Mayor Lee Harris and World Relief Memphis, to welcome our newest Afghan neighbors to Memphis.

 

We’ve contracted with World Relief Memphis to help the 36 Afghans with work force training and language skills to help ensure they are successful once they arrive.

 

These families have been forced to flee their home country because their lives were at risk for assisting American troops in Afghanistan. It is our duty—our responsibility—as Americans to offer a helping hand to those who risked their lives to help us. I know our city will be enriched by their experiences and diversity.

 

To learn more about World Relief Memphis and how you can help our newest Memphians, go here.

 

One down, two more to go: As I mentioned last week, we are starting a new era of public service at the City of Memphis. This week we held the first of three job fairs, and more than 180 people showed up ready to learn about our opportunities working for the City. There were some great candidates, and 40 people will receive job offers.

 

 

This event was held on Thursday at the Ben Hooks Library. 

 

Below is the remaining job fair schedule:

COM Job Fairs 2021

Date	Location	Time
Thursday, September 16, 2021	Hickory Hill Community Center	12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Thursday, September 23, 2021	Bert Ferguson Community Center	12:00 pm – 6:00 pm

 

As a reminder, if you or someone you know is looking for a great career, here's a direct link to the newsletter where interested folks can view current job openings, subscribe to the newsletter, share on social media, and view past content. 

And, here's the direct link to our subscription form. For individuals who are interested in subscribing to the newsletter and viewing our jobs—Text Work901 to 484848.

Thanks so much to our HR team. I know many hours of hard work and planning have gone into these crucial efforts, and I can’t thank them enough for making it happen.

 

A Classic showdown: In case you weren’t aware, this weekend is the 32^nd Annual Southern Heritage Classic. Fred Jones and his team always make sure this event is top-notch for fans, and each year, it provides a tremendous economic impact to the city.

 

With two football legends coaching at Tennessee State (Eddie George) and Jackson State (Deion Sanders), this year may be best Classic yet. For more information about the events this weekend, go here.

 

Have a great weekend!

 

Yours,