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This week, we’re celebrating Memphis excellence — two powerful moments that remind us what’s possible when we believe in each other and invest in our people.
We saw our young people soar to incredible heights, backed by a strong village of parents, teachers, mentors, and neighbors who believe in their greatness. And we marked another milestone in our City’s commitment to community with the opening of a vibrant new hub in Binghampton, a space built to uplift, connect, and serve.
Together, these moments reflect the soul of Memphis: from Central High’s global win to a transformational groundbreaking in one of our historic neighborhoods, the spirit of Memphis was on full display.
Yesterday was a great day in the City of Memphis — and an even greater day in Binghampton — as the doors opened to the community and our neighbors were able to experience what is certainly one of the crown jewels of our city’s parks network.
This $19.8 million investment is more than an investment in bricks and concrete. It’s nearly 30,000 square feet of possibility — a space not just to serve our residents, but to empower them.
The world-class center features an indoor walking track to promote healthy living at every age; a rooftop patio for community gatherings and celebrations; a commercial kitchen to support nutrition programs and culinary learning; a youth gaming room and tech space to unlock creativity and future career paths; and flexible meeting areas, a group fitness room, and a weight room for connection, movement, and growth.
This is what community investment looks like — not theoretical, not future-tense. Right here. Right now.
Investments like this are what I’m pushing for every day. They show that we are saying YES to the health of our families, YES to safe spaces for our kids, and YES to facilities that reflect the excellence of our people.
This isn’t just a win for Binghampton. It’s a win for all of Memphis. Because when we build places like this, we’re laying a foundation for stronger neighborhoods, safer streets, and more vibrant futures.
I want to thank the Memphis Parks team, our design and construction partners, and most of all, the residents of this community. Your voice, your vision, and your persistence made this possible.
 Central High Jazz Band: Best in the World (That’s right, the world!!). And, while we were still riding high from the Lester opening, we got a chance to double down on our Memphis pride and celebrate an incredible moment for our city, for our schools, and most of all, for the brilliant young people from Central High who just made history.
On May 11, right in the heart of New York City at the world-renowned Lincoln Center, these students brought the soul of Memphis to the global stage. Out of hundreds of bands from across the country — including many from elite arts schools, private academies, and conservatories — Central High stood tallest. They didn’t just win — they swept the competition, earning top honors in trumpet, trombone, rhythm section, and solo performance.
That is monumental.That is Memphis.
If you joined the celebration last night, thank you. If you supported the students with a donation that helped to make this win possible, thank you. If you are a parent, a mentor, a family member… thank you. What you have helped these amazing young people accomplish is legendary.
Let’s make this the story of the summer. Let’s make this accomplishment a north star for every Memphis student. And let’s give it up one more time for the Central High School Jazz Band – now officially the number one high school jazz band in the world.
Personally, I want to thank Dr. Ollie Liddell for his outstanding leadership and for believing in our students, our schools, and the power of music.
To the band members: your excellence is not just about talent. It’s about discipline, teamwork, and heart. You’ve reminded us that greatness lives right here in our public schools. That Memphis doesn’t just compete – we lead. We don’t just show up – we win.
 Let these moments remind us of what’s possible when we invest in our young people, when we champion the arts, and when we say yes to community.
Congratulations, Memphis. This week was a great look for the city we all love. And the accomplishments are shining examples that our city is on the rise. This is our Era of Yes. And moments like this are the proof.
Memphis is rising — and we're building it together.
 Check out the social posts from Lester Opening and Central High School Jazz Band celebration!
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
 For more info on how to use the dashboard, go here.
Our Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38107, 38111, 38112, 38114, 38116, 38126,
In the Know:
CAESAR Public Forum. The University of Memphis is launching a 5-year study on our city’s most vital natural resource—and they want to hear from you.
Join the CAESAR Public Forum on June 23 from 6pm to 7pm at Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library to learn about the research and take part in community discussions.
See more and share 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.
To report concerns related to property violations, potholes, and trash, click the link here or call 311 to speak to a live agent.
Social and Community Engagement:
Juneteenth Celebration. Celebrate freedom, culture, and community at the 32nd Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival, hosted by Telisa Franklin. Taking place June 6–7, 2025, at Medical District Park (Madison Ave & Dunlap St), the festival will feature live music, local vendors, food, wellness resources, and family-friendly activities. Join us as we honor unity and heritage in the heart of Memphis. See more details here.
Bluff City Fair. Get ready for fun for the whole family—Bluff City Fair is back at Liberty Park through June 8. Enjoy thrilling rides, classic fair food, games, live entertainment, and more. Whether you're here for the funnel cake or the Ferris wheel, the Bluff City Fair has something for everyone. Don’t miss one of Memphis’s favorite spring traditions. Grab tickets here.
Comic Con. Get ready for Memphis Public Libraries Comic Con 2025! Join us Saturday, May 31, from 10am to 3pm at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library for a free, family-friendly celebration of comics, anime, gaming, and pop culture. Enjoy contests, crafts, food trucks, giveaways, and a special appearance by Memphis native Chris Parnell. See more here.
Collage Dance 15th Annual Student Concert. Experience the talent and passion of over 300 young dancers at Collage Dance’s 15th Annual Student Concert on Sunday, June 1 at 3pm at the Cannon Center. This powerful performance showcases ballet, tap, jazz, and West African dance from students of the Collage Dance Conservatory. A celebrated, sold-out tradition, the concert offers an inspiring glimpse into the future of Memphis arts. See more details here.
100 Days of Blues. Celebrate the legacy of B.B. King with Memphis' "100 Days of Blues," a citywide tribute marking what would have been the blues legend's 100th birthday. From June 8 to September 16, enjoy live performances, special exhibits, and cultural events across the city, including Beale Street, the Blues Hall of Fame, and B.B. King's Blues Club. Experience the music and history that define Memphis' rich blues heritage. See more information here.
Stay Connected:
🎷 Big applause for Central High School!
The Central High School Jazz Band has just been recognized as the best! Not just the best in the city, not even the nation! They are the best in the world—and they’re right here in Memphis!
What an honor to have this level of talent in our city. Congratulations to these incredible young musicians for putting Memphis on the global stage once again! 🎶🏆
#MemphisProud #CentralHighJazz #BestInTheWorld
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