Weekly Update

Friends,

It’s no secret that since becoming Mayor more than seven years ago, rebuilding the Memphis Police Department has been one of the most complex and intensive challenges we’ve tried to tackle during that time.

Last night, I had the privilege of welcoming and congratulating 44 men and women to the Best in Blue. We now have1,965 officers with 79 recruits in the academy and over 50 new recruits joining the academy on Monday.

To our graduates—You are the best of the best. You made it through an intense process. And it’s not just that you survived, but that you thrived. You are now truly one of the Best in Blue.          

Know this—my office is behind you, and our city is behind you. Thank you for your service to our community.

Library happenings: If you and your child are looking for something to do tomorrow, Memphis Libraries is hosting a Youth Resource Fair. It is a partnership with UTHSC and will provide the public with information and resources for our youth. Details below:

Additionally, Memphis Libraries will be hosting the inaugural Richard Wright Literary Awards on March 30^th. Wright is an iconic literally figure from the early civil rights era, and his daughter will be attending virtually as we honor local authors.

Lastly, our popular 5 Fridays of Jazz event is coming back to the Ben Hooks Central Library. The show begins at 6:30 PM (no show tonight due to weather). See below for details.

Thanks to our director, Keenon McCloy, and her staff for always delivering meaningful programming to the community.

The American Dream: I read this story earlier this week in one of our local publications, and it was too good not to mention. From package handler to FedEx pilot, Jeff Mabry is truly a real-life example that, with hard work and unwavering dedication, you can make your dreams a reality. If you have some free time, I would highly suggest reading this article.

First Officer Mabry—thank you for sharing your story and for reminding us to chase after our dreams.

Horatio Alger Award: Each year, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc. honors individuals in our nation who have overcome adversity to achieve professional and personal success. Rajesh Subramaniam, president and CEO of FedEx, was one of 13 people named to receive the 2023 Horatio Alger Award.

This is a tremendous honor for someone who does so much our community. On behalf of all the citizens of Memphis, we congratulate you on this significant milestone. To learn more about the Horatio Alger Award and Mr. Subramaniam, go here.  

Mr. Mabry and Mr. Subramaniam are examples of how FedEx has allowed so many Memphis families to achieve the American Dream. To learn more about the incredible opportunities Memphis has please visit opportunitymemphis.com

Blue Oval City: Earlier today, people from across the state joined Ford at BlueOval City as they celebrated construction progress at its all-new campus and soon to be home of Ford’s second-generation electric truck, code named Project T3.

As our way to welcome and thank Ford for investing in West Tennessee, check out the Memphis bridge tonight as it will be shining in Ford blue.

In case you missed the event earlier today, you can watch it here.

Enjoy your weekend!

Yours,