Memphis today paid homage to one of its political figures. At 10:00 a.m. this morning, Mayor Lee Harris led a ceremony that bestowed a new name on the Youth and Family Resource Center. As of today, it will be known as the A C Wharton, Jr. Youth and Family Resource Center.
The decision to rename the center was to honor the work and legacy of former Mayor A C Wharton, Jr., whose time in office was marked by a focus on youth and family services. Harris, evidently looking to further solidify ties within the community, recognizes the center as a critical hub for supporting the fabric of urban life. He seemed to carefully choose this moment, as quoted in a statement obtained by ShelbyCountyTN.gov, to reflect upon and celebrate the contributions of one of our city's most dedicated public servants.
Wharton, whose tenure stretched from 2002 until 2015, cast a long shadow across the city's political and civic scene. His work in the areas of criminal justice reform and economic development received accolades, but it's his dedication to improving the lives of the youngest and most vulnerable that endures as his lasting contribution. This building dedication is slightly more than a symbolic gesture; it is an acknowledgment that the bricks we lay in service to the youth can continue to serve as the foundation for a community's aspirations.
While no further plans concerning the rebranding of the center or new initiatives were announced during the event, it's clear that the aim was to inspire the leaders of tomorrow. We want to make sure that this center stands not just as a namesake, but as a beacon, a place where great work can and does happen, mentioned Harris, during a moment that dared to quietly defy easy political categorization. The ceremony included speeches, a ribbon-cutting event, and an open house tour for attendees to get newly acquainted with the center now bearing Wharton's name.
