Weekly Update

Friends,

Last Saturday, I spent time with the folks at Memphis Connect, a nonprofit that serves hundreds of young people through a developmental basketball league for ages 4-16. This program is run by Memphis Police Officer Justin Crutcher and has dozens of adult volunteer coaches.

In talking with those involved, I learned that many young people have turned their lives around with the attention and mentorship offered. Thank you, Officer Crutcher and all the volunteers, for making a difference in the lives of our youth and making Memphis better.

Every child needs to be involved in some type of after-school program.

Another great organization: For many years now, I have been a firm believer in and staunch supporter of the Boys and Girls Club and the transformative impact this organization can have on our young people.

You may remember in 2021, with the help and support of Memphis Shelby County Schools’ leadership and with City Council, we allocated federal funds to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis to replicate their successful four-year program at Craigmont High School into 10 additional schools. This is after school programming held in the schools. At Craigmont,100 percent of the club members have graduated high school and 100 percent have gone on to higher education, joined the military or gotten a job.

Since receiving this additional funding, the program has grown substantially. The chart below demonstrates the collective growth for 2022.

The chart below gives a breakdown of the 1,991 students at their respective 10 additional high schools.

During the program, students participated in different workforce development workshops to give them tools they need to be successful when they graduate. Participants also experienced over 50 guest speakers and presentations from private companies, colleges, and the military. Additionally, they took 41 workplace visits and a total of 38 college tours.

To quote Raleigh-Egypt High Principal Shari Jones from a recent letter of support,

“I have witnessed so many positive changes in the students who participate in the program. They are able to articulate and express themselves better socially and academically. They have gained valuable exposure to various careers on their Wednesday vocational excursions. The participants have a much-needed outlet for sharing their thoughts, concerns and social-emotional issues. As a result, good decision-making skills have increased. It is evident in their behavior in and out of the classroom.

This program is crucial to Raliegh-Egypt High and should remain a permanent fixture of Pharoah Nation.”

Programs like the Boys and Girls Club and Memphis Connect are making a difference in our city, and the young men and women who participate in them will have a better future because of them.

A brighter city: Several months ago, I told you we were going through the process (bidding out the project and selecting a vendor) to convert all the streetlights across our city to LED bulbs. The process of actually converting the bulbs is now well underway. On Monday night at 7:30 at Fire Station #37, 3950 Weaver Rd, along with MLGW, we will be officially kicking off the LED conversion process. Below is a bit of information on the project.

By doing this, not only are we bringing much needed and significantly improved lighting to every neighborhood in Memphis, but we are also reducing our carbon footprint.

March Madness: Don’t forget—tune in tonight!

Go Tigers Go!!!

Enjoy your weekend!

Yours,