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Dear Class of 2025, today, we celebrate you!
And, to the parents, grandparents, siblings, children, and everyone who supported these graduates along the way, this is your day too. Your support helped make this possible.
And now, to the graduates - to the Class of 2025 – let's go!
This is a major milestone. A triumph. You earned this through early mornings, late nights, hard days, and real life. You did it. You didn’t give up. And now, you stand at the start of something new.
And, today, I don’t want you to focus all the importance of this moment on a diploma. I want you to take pride in the journey it took to get here. Every challenge you pushed through. Every doubt you silenced. Every time you showed up, even when it would’ve been easier not to.
 Because the journey is what makes the graduation powerful, it’s what makes this victory personal.
And as you move on to whatever the next step is, know that your whole community is standing behind you, ready for you to win. And even if you don’t feel like it… You are ready.
And this season, as you celebrate graduating from something, remember that you are graduating to something. You’re stepping into your time. Your power. And your purpose.
As Mayor of Memphis – and as someone who grew up right here – I want you to hear this clearly: You are exactly who Memphis needs. Lean in.
 As you move forward, remember these three things:
First: Know your why. There will be tough days – when the work is hard, when people don’t get your vision, when quitting feels easier. That’s when your why matters. Let it fuel you.
Second: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for permission, a title, or a green light. Sometimes the door won’t open. You’ve got to open it yourself. Or build a new one.
Third: Stay rooted in community. Success isn’t just about how far you go. It’s about how many people you bring with you. Memphis rises when we rise together. Lift others as you climb. Show up for your neighbors. Build something bigger than yourself.
 Now, I’ve got a challenge for you. In honor of your graduation year, let’s do it for 25 days…
From Saturday, May 18, through Tuesday, June 11, I’m inviting you, and every Memphian, to take a negativity fast:
✅ No trash talk about our city
✅ No “same old Memphis” mindset
✅ No passive complaints
Instead, every day for 25 days, I want you to fill that space with joy, with hope. Speak life over Memphis:
💙 Post something positive
💙 Shout out a person, place, or moment that makes you proud
💙 Share what you love about your city—and help others see it too
Memphis is writing a new chapter. And Class of 2025, you are the authors. We’re proud of you. We believe in you. And we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.
Congratulations. Let’s go!
 View and share the Mayor's 2025 graduation message here.
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 chart below compares 2025 to 2024 and Week/Week for 2025
 We have updated our Safer Communities dashboard with more information coming daily from MPD. The Crime Analytics dashboard can be accessed here. The map and data are interactive. Click your zip code to see data from your area, or click a crime type to see more information. Use the buttons at the top to toggle through the different data analysis. For more info on how to use the dashboard, go here.
Our Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38106, 38108, 38118, 38126. 38134
Community Announcement:
Plan ahead for Memorial Day and be sure to look at the Solid Waste pick-up schedule for residents that gets trash picked up by the City of Memphis. Be sure to download the Memphis Curbside Collection app available on all Apple and Google devices to stay updated on any Solid Waste schedule changes.
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.
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.
CSA Community Needs Assessment Survey: Shelby County Community Services Agency (CSA), the primary provider of rent and utility assistance for local residents, is seeking your input! As they work to secure funding and shape future programming, your voice can help ensure resources go where they’re needed most. Your feedback plays a key role in building more effective, community-driven support across Shelby County. Take survey here.
Social and Community Engagement:
 Memphis in May. Join us for a high-stakes culinary battle featuring the most skilled teams in barbeque at Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. This four-day celebration of Memphis BBQ, skill, and Southern tradition is a can't-miss Memphis moment. Come join the fun! See more and share here.
 Artist Listening Session. Join us for the third Artist Listening Session hosted by the Office of Creative & Cultural Economy on Monday, May 19 from 6pm-8pm. This session will focus on discussions around Material Supports and how they fuel creatives. Whether you're an artist, cultural worker, or creative entrepreneur, your voice matters as we build a stronger ecosystem for the arts in Memphis. Let’s shape the future, together. See more and share here.
City of Memphis Birthday Party. Come celebrate with us as Memphis turns 206! On Thursday, May 22 at Wiseacre Brewing Company, we will have a night full of Memphis pride featuring live performances from Stax Music Academy, special remarks from Mayor Paul Young, and plenty of local flavor. You don’t want to miss it! See more and share here.
 Strangewaze Wednesdaze. Memphis’ favorite midweek party returns to the Edge District! Strangewaze Wednesdaze is officially back for ONE NIGHT ONLY! Hosted by Memphis Medical District, expect an evening of food, cocktails, axe throwing, and live music on May 21 at Medical District Park, where Downtown meets Midtown. See more and get your FREE tickets here.
 SmokeSlam BBQ Festival. The world’s best pitmasters are heading to Tom Lee Park for SmokeSlam hosted by Mempho! Taking place along the riverfront, this high-stakes showdown features global teams competing for the largest prize in pork BBQ competition history. SmokeSlam is more than a competition—it's a celebration. Come hungry and ready to vibe with smoky flavors and sizzling entertainment! See more and share here.
Stay Connected:
 Frayser, your new library is officially open!  
We celebrated the ribbon cutting and grand opening of the brand new Frayser Public Library — now located at 2220 James Rd. This beautiful new space is a hub for learning, connection, and community growth.
Stop by and see what’s waiting for you inside!
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