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Seeing Memphis Through Another Lens.
As Mayor, I have the opportunity to be Memphis’ biggest champion every single day. But this past week, even I saw our city with fresh eyes, as we welcomed two remarkable groups to Memphis — the National Veterans Golden Age Games and the American Enterprise Institute’s American Dream Summit.
Through their stories, their presence, and the joy they experienced here, I was reminded of something we don’t always take time to appreciate: just how beautiful, welcoming, and full of promise Memphis truly is.
They didn’t just come to Memphis to sit in meeting rooms or hotel rooms. They experienced Memphis. They visited our riverfront and parks, they felt the energy of downtown, and most importantly, they experienced the warmth and spirit of our community.
 Each year, more than 13 million people visit Memphis, and every single one of them helps tell a story we don’t always tell loudly enough: that Memphis is a city with soul, history, and momentum. I’m grateful for the energy they bring, the dollars they spend, and the belief they show in Memphis. This week, we saw that belief on full display as Memphis hosted the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games, bringing over 1,000 veteran athletes, including 346 first-time participants, for six days of competition, connection, and celebration. The largest games in the event’s history, right here in Memphis.
I had the chance to join them at several events, and what I witnessed was more than just competition. It was a community. It was a demonstration of resilience. It was joy. From basketball to track, from fishing on the Mississippi to a brand-new ninja course built right here in Memphis, these veterans brought their energy, spirit, and love for life.
The oldest competitor was 95 years old, and the group’s message was clear: stay active, stay connected, and stay alive.
As one veteran told me, “These games keep us going. They give us life.” And Memphis gave that life right back with hospitality, energy, and the kind of welcome that made a lasting impression on every guest.
They saw the best of Memphis and reminded us to see it, too.
 We also had the honor of hosting the AEI’s American Dream Initiative solutions summit, part of a national effort to explore how the American Dream can thrive in Memphis and communities like ours across the country.
They came to help us explore solutions, and they asked big questions about Memphis, and how we support our community, our families, education, and workforce. And what they found here was something they couldn’t stop talking about: Our hope. Our innovation. Our resilience. They began to see what I always see: that Memphis is a city on the rise.
As I shared during the summit, here in Memphis, we’re not just imagining a better future, we’re building it. All across our city, we’re saying yes to safer neighborhoods, stronger families, and smarter investments that move Memphis forward.
Their visit was about research. But they left with an admiration for our dedication to realizing our potential. They left with a love for the undeniable spirit of Memphis. Over and over again, we hear the same thing from our visitors: “You have something special here, don’t take it for granted.”
Both of these groups, our veterans and our visiting thought leaders, saw something in us that we, as Memphians, too often overlook.
 They saw the heart of our community, the energy and momentum in our streets, and the pride that lives in every neighborhood.
Our visitors saw what’s possible here, and they reminded us to see it too.
Let’s carry that forward. Let’s keep seeing Memphis the way our visitors see us, with fresh perspective and a renewed sense of pride.
Let’s remember that we are in our Era of Yes. And that means saying Yes to honoring those who’ve served. Yes to partnerships that further our potential. And Yes to seeing ourselves as others do. We are beautiful, Memphis.
 We had the honor of hosting the 2025 National Veterans Golden Age Games and the American Enterprise Institute’s American Dream Initiative solutions summit this week. See more on social here and here. Watch the entire AEI Solutions Summit conversation between Robert Doar and Mayor Young 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
 For more info on how to use the dashboard, go here.
Our Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38106, 38109, 38114, 38116, 38118
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.
MPLOY 2025 is breaking records! This year, 1,804 youth ages 14–22 have been placed with real business partners across the City of Memphis—marking the highest number of placements in the last four years. For the first time, even 14- and 15-year-olds are gaining hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Best of all, every applicant who submitted documents was successfully placed.
Congratulations to the NExT Cohort 1 participants! Over the past 4 weeks, the Neighborhood Excellence Training Program empowered residents to become stronger leaders in their communities. On May 31, 2025, they wrapped up the program by presenting community projects they’ll be launching in their neighborhoods. We’re so proud of the participants dedication and can’t wait to see the impact they will make in their community.
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.
City Meets County Celebrity Basketball Game. The All-Star Celebrity Basketball Game returns Saturday, June 14 at Southwind High School, featuring a rematch between Mayor Paul Young and Mayor Lee Harris. Doors open at 2pm, with tipoff at 3pm, and appearances by local leaders, athletes, and entertainers. Proceeds support Heal the Hood Foundation’s youth programs. Get tickets 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.
Explore Memphis. Memphis Public Libraries invites readers of all ages to dive more into books, track their reading, and earn fun prizes all summer long. This year, in addition to individual rewards, groups can also compete for a special grand prize. Pick up a reading log at any MPL branch and start your journey. Check in at your local library for more details—it's time to Explore Memphis through the pages of a book! See more information here.
Community Ice Cream Social. The City of Memphis Office of Youth Services, I AM INCLUDED-Memphis, Memphis-Shelby County, and UofM’s TigerLIFE program are teaming up for a Community Ice Cream Social Celebration! Join us for outdoor games like basketball shot contests, TikTok dance-offs, balloon pop relays, and more. Bring your lunch, chairs, and blankets—everyone’s invited! See more and share here.
Stay Connected:
We’ve officially broken ground on Hospitality Hub North — a new space dedicated to helping unsheltered Memphians find stability, resources, and hope.
This project is a testament to what’s possible when compassion meets collaboration. Because the people of Memphis deserve dignity, opportunity, and support. 💙
#OurMemphis #HospitalityHub #MemphisForward #HopeInAction #HousingFirst
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