|
On Monday morning, April 28, our city woke up to heartbreaking news: a devastating fire had broken out at Clayborn Temple—one of Memphis’ most sacred landmarks and a cornerstone of the American civil rights movement.
 The call came in at 1:39 a.m. as a commercial fire alarm. Within minutes, Memphis Fire Department crews arrived on the scene. Ultimately, 49 firefighters, 15 vehicles, and multiple engine and truck companies responded. This was a second-alarm fire, meaning additional units were needed to help contain it. The blaze was brought under control within a few hours, but not before it caused significant structural damage to the rear of the sanctuary and roof. Thankfully, no injuries were reported.
The investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing, with MFD's Fire Investigation Bureau working alongside the Memphis Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). We are committed to full transparency as more information becomes available.
Clayborn Temple is not just a building. It is sacred ground. A symbol of struggle, hope, and triumph that belongs not just to Memphis but to the world. It’s where sanitation workers gathered before the 1968 marches. It’s where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke truth to power. It’s where movements took root – and where voices for justice found strength.
Standing in the shadow of that steeple, generations of Memphians found their courage. Today, in the face of this tragedy, we must find ours again.
We grieve for what has been lost. But the spirit of Clayborn Temple cannot be burned away. It lives on in every act of justice and every dream of a better tomorrow born in our city.
 I want to thank our courageous firefighters for their swift and selfless response, and to honor Anasa Troutman and The Big We team, whose care, vision, and leadership have been guiding the restoration of Clayborn Temple with purpose and heart. Their work will carry forward, and we will support them every step of the way. This will not be the end of Clayborn. It will be a new chapter.
To all who love Memphis, this is a moment to rise together. Just as the people who once filled Clayborn’s pews and faced adversity with courage and unity, we too must meet this moment with purpose and resolve.
Clayborn Temple has always stood for something greater – justice, faith, and the fight for what’s right. Now it’s our turn to as a united community to rise to that standard.
We will rebuild. We will remember. And we will rise.
If you want to make a contribution to assist with the reimagining of Clayborn Temple, or to learn more please visit: clayborn.org/
Good News!
    Do you have good news to share? We would love to share it! Send us a note at goodnews@memphistn.gov
Weekly Crime Trend
The linked report below provides our weekly update on Part 1 Crimes. The Safer Community Dashboard updates daily. The charts compare 2025 to 2024 and Week/Week for 2025
 (We maintain two crime dashboards, the Weekly Crime Trend report can be found here, and the Crime Analytics dashboard can be accessed here.)
Our Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38106, 38107, 38108, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38122, 38126, 38128,
Community Announcement:
To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.
In the Know:
NEXT Program. The Neighborhood Excellence Training Program (NEXT) is now accepting participants. NEXT empowers local leaders by providing the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to strengthen neighborhoods across Memphis. Through hands-on learning, workshops, and collaborative exercises, participants will gain the tools to become effective advocates and change-makers. Learn more and apply here.
Neighborhood Watch: Build a Safer Community. Take action against crime in your neighborhood by joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch group through your local MPD station. Get resources, guidance, and access to the Neighborhood Crime Prevention Grant to support safety initiatives. Eligible neighborhood groups can apply for funding by attending a mandatory workshop and meeting key requirements. Learn more about how to protect and strengthen your community by attending one the workshops! See more and apply for the grant here.
Solid Waste Management Plan. We want your voice to be heard as we develop the 30-year solid waste plan to work towards a cleaner, more sustainable future for our city. If you have any plans, ideas, thoughts or feedback then let us know in this survey here.
Social and Community Engagement:
 RiverBeat Music Festival. The RiverBeat Music Festival is back for its second year, taking place this weekend from May 2 - 4 at Tom Lee Park. This three-day event will feature over 50 artists across five stages, including headliners Missy Elliott, The Killers, and Anderson .Paak & The Free Nationals. Join the fun and grab ticket’s to this year’s RiverBeat Music Festival. See more and get tickets here.
 Volunteers Needed. The 39th National Veterans Golden Age Games will be hosted in Memphis May 31-June 5 and they are in search of some amazing volunteers to make the event possible. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our country and this is our way to give back to them and cheer them on as they compete in 18 sporting events for medals. See more and register here.
 Shop Local at the Summer Employee Market. Support City of Memphis employees at the Summer Employee Market on Thursday, May 8, from 10am to 2pm at the Orange Mound Community Center Gymnasium. Employees will be showcasing and selling a variety of goods—from cookies to clothing and everything in between. This event is open to the public. See more and share here.
Memphis Public Libraries. Join us for Bookstock tomorrow, May 3, from 11am to 3pm at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library. This free literary festival features over 60 local author exhibits, live music, food trucks, writing workshops, cultural performances, and giveaways. See more and share here.
Stay Connected:
Heads up, Memphis! If you're heading downtown for the Riverbeat Music Festival this weekend (May 2–4), be sure to check the traffic map before you go. Some roads will be closed for the event, and we've highlighted the best parking spots and routes to help you get around safely. Let’s keep the vibes high and the streets safe. 🎶🚗 Visit for the full interactive map: https://memphistn.gov/festival-traffic-map/#Riverbeat2025 #MemphisTraffic #PlanAhead #DriveSafe
|
