What’s happening: A new community initiative has launched in Memphis, one that aims to identify sustainable solutions in supporting thriving communities and especially those communities that have faced historical inequities, particularly our Black and Brown Memphians. It’s called
More For Memphis and a launch party is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 27, to help celebrate the new initiative.
Who’s involved: More For Memphis is coordinated by
Seeding Success and backed by
Blue Meridian Partners and
The Kresge Foundation; the initiative has received $8.5 million in national and local investment thus far. The initiative has been shaped by input from more than 300 community members, nonprofits, businesses, and public organizations, and a
Governing Body consists of 28 individuals representing various sectors including youth, government representatives, and affiliates.
What it is: More For Memphis will identify and present sustainable solutions for improving economic and social mobility for all Memphians. A cohort of community members has identified six key target areas to focus their efforts:
community development,
culture,
economic development,
education and youth,
health and well-being, and
justice and safety.
Why it’s important: “While Memphis has great energy and incredible potential, the challenges we face mean that too many of our neighbors are excluded from the city’s growth,” says Teshanda Middleton, Interim Chief Executive Officer and Chief Program Officer at Communities In Schools of Memphis. “What we’re doing at More For Memphis will not only tackle the barriers of today, but pave a clear path forward for the next generation of dreamers and doers here.”
Launch party: The More For Memphis launch party is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 27, at the Central Station Hotel. The event is free and open to the public. The initiative will be introduced to the public and feature a keynote address from Geoffrey Canada, a motivational speaker, social activist, and passionate advocate for educational reform. There will also be free food, refreshments, and entertainment. Registration for the event
is available online.
A voice for youth: “I'm grateful for the opportunity to sit alongside leaders of our community and represent our local youth as we work together to improve our city," says Governing Body Committee Member and local youth Randy Truong. “To achieve a Memphis where opportunity and achievement can truly be shared by all, it's important to have voices and views from all backgrounds and ages. I hope more youth will take advantage of the opportunity to make a real difference by joining a More For Memphis workgroup.”
Visit More For Memphis online to learn more about this new initiative. Click HERE to register for the launch party on Tuesday, Sept. 24.
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