Memphis and Shelby County are set to host Cities United's Leading the Way Tour from September 23-25, aiming to advance public safety solutions that are community-driven. The three-day event will bring together young leaders, city officials, and community partners to discuss and demonstrate innovative approaches to reducing violence and improving safety.
According to a recent post on the City of Memphis's official website, the tour is set to invest over $100,000 in Memphis, including stipends for young people, grants for local organizations, and resources for infrastructure and implementation of the tour's initiatives. Anthony Smith, Executive Director of Cities United, emphasized the tour's commitment to "highlighting the powerful work already happening in jurisdictions and investing in the people doing the life saving work every day." One of the announced plans will provide $7,500 to enable a collaborative of 15 young leaders to spearhead change within their communities.
Memphis Mayor Paul Young told the City's website that public safety in Memphis is people-centric involving youth investment and support for grassroots organizations, while Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris highlighted the importance of prevention and opportunity in public safety efforts. Together with community partners, Memphis seeks to strengthen a safety ecosystem combining intergovernmental support and the Joint Office of Neighborhood Safety & Engagement.
The agenda for the Leading the Way Tour in Memphis includes sessions with local officials and young leaders, as well as workshops aimed at developing comprehensive public safety roadmaps. A $50,000 in-kind coaching and capacity-building provision is also set to give a boost to local leaders and organizations. A notable event is the Community Dinner, designed to foster networking and discussion on community-driven safety solutions. Valerie Matthews & Tamika Williams of the Joint Office cited the importance of translating data and community insight into tangible results, mentioning Cities United's investment as a key component in amplifying "community innovation, evidence-based interventions, and culturally responsive supports," as per the City of Memphis.
As part of a 20-city tour, the Memphis/Shelby County stop is a symbol of the ongoing efforts nationwide by Cities United to support cities in building effective, community-led strategies aimed at reducing violence and creating opportunities, with a focus on young Black men and boys, and their families.
