|
This week, I sat down with the legend, Dr. Noel Hutchison, better known as Dr. Hutch, on his Huddle Talk podcast. And true to form, he didn’t hold back.
He asked me the tough questions folks are talking about in barber shops, living rooms, and church parking lots.
Questions like:
- “If crime is down, why don’t people feel safer?”
- “Why are you talking to gang members?”
- “What really happened with xAI?”
- "What is going on with Judge Donald and the DOJ taskforce?"
I answered every one of them. Straight up. Because that’s what leadership requires: truth, accountability, and presence.
Watch the full interview here: Huddle Talk with Dr. Hutch. But if you’re short on time, here’s a quick recap of what I said on a few:
📉 “If crime is down, why don’t people feel safer?”
My response: Because crime is still too high. But the trend is moving in the right direction.
In 2023, we were at a historic high in terms of crime. We were number one in homicides. In 2024 and 2025, we’re down. We’ve doubled down on enforcement, but also invested in prevention — community groups, youth outreach, real alternatives.
📌 Translation: We’re fighting crime on both ends — in a holistic manner looking at root causes and addressing active crime.
 Crime is trending down - but we still have more work to do.
💬 “Why meet with gang members?”
My response: Because you can’t fix what you won’t face. I sat down with young men in their 20s and asked, ‘What would it take to go seven days without a shooting?’
Their answers were raw and real: ‘Give kids something to do.’ ‘Put money in our pockets.’ And most of all, ‘Come talk to us yourself, we don’t see people like you in our neighborhoods.’
📌 Translation: You can’t change a community without showing up in it.
💪 “What are you most proud of so far?”
My response: Blight removal. Crime reduction. Budget stabilization. But also joy—like seeing kids take over Beale Street safely on 901 Day.
I remember Libertyland and the Mall of Memphis. I want today’s kids to have those kinds of memories, too.
📌 Translation: Progress isn’t just policy—it’s people feeling proud of their city.
At the end of the day, I believe in showing up. I believe in keeping it real. And I believe Memphis is in its Era of Yes—because we’re not afraid to say yes to truth, yes to progress, and yes to each other.
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 Blight Strike Team worked in the following zip codes this week: 38104, 38114, 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.
EDGE Hosts Third Annual Small Business Loan Expo. Join the EDGE team on Thursday, June 26, from 11am to 1pm at the Renasant Convention Center. This event highlights how EDGE's forgivable economic development loans are helping small businesses transform neighborhood corridors and create jobs across Memphis. Come meet past recipients, explore future opportunities, and learn how local investment is driving community growth. For more information, click here.
National ALA Honors Received by Whitehaven Branch Manager. Robin L. Ballard, Branch Manager of the Whitehaven Library, has been nationally recognized by the American Library Association (ALA) with two prestigious honors: the 2025 ALA Spectrum Scholarship and selection into the 2024–2025 Emerging Leaders Program. Congratulations Robin!
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:
Family Fun Fridays with Memphis Parks. Summer kicks off tonight with Family Fun Friday at Bert Ferguson Park! From 6pm-9pm, enjoy free carnival rides, games, video board gaming, and food for the first 500 guests. Local teen artists take the stage from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, thanks to sponsor Bluff City Parties and Events. No registration needed—just bring the whole family for a night of fun! See more details here.
Juneteenth Events in Memphis. Memphis knows how to celebrate freedom—and this weekend, the city is packed with Juneteenth events honoring Black history, culture, and community. From parades and performances to family festivals and powerful reflections, there’s something for everyone. Explore the full list of celebrations from Choose901 and find your way to join here.
Career Connect Pop-Up. Looking for a new opportunity or a fresh start? Explore over 400 remote jobs with FedEx Logistics, learn how to earn your high school diploma through The Excel Center, and get a free professional headshot (first 50 attendees). Join us for the Career Connect Pop-Up tomorrow, June 21, from 11am to 12:30pm at Greenlaw Community Center. See more and share here.
Boots on the Ground Intergeneration Day Party. Join us June 21 from 2pm to 5pm at the Orange Mound Community Center Gym for an intergenerational day of music, dancing, storytelling, food, and community pride. Youth and elders together — boots on the ground, building the future of Orange Mound. See more and share here.
WYXR DOWD Awards. Join us for the 3rd Annual DOWD Awards on June 26 from 6pm to 8pm at the National Civil Rights Museum. This special evening honors Black musicians, creatives, and community leaders whose artistry and service have shaped Memphis’ cultural legacy. Named for DJ and educator Nat D. Williams, the awards celebrate mentorship, creativity, and generational impact. Light refreshments will be served. Get tickets here.
Stay Connected:
Yesterday, it was City vs. County on the diamond - and this year, the City came out on top!
Mayor Young and Mayor Harris went head-to-head in the annual Memphis Redbirds softball showdown, and while the rivalry was real, the vibes were all love. Big thanks to our County partners for keeping the tradition strong and the competition friendly. Until next year! ⚾️
|
