A new initiative called the “Campaign for Change” was launched on Wednesday morning in front of Memphis City Hall. The event was attended by community leaders and concerned citizens.
The focus of this new initiative is to offer tangible solutions for what it refers to as “the neglected communities and children of Tennessee.”
Organizers of the “Campaign for Change” plan to embark on a statewide tour that will begin in Memphis and wrap up in Knoxville. The campaign aims to raise awareness about various issues including racial inequalities, illiteracy, homelessness, housing discrimination, blight, and zip code discrimination.
As we approach Juneteenth, a holiday celebrating the emancipation of enslaved people in the US, the “Campaign for Change” underscores the importance of businesses reinvesting in communities that face systemic racism, voter apathy, and crime. Juneteenth, first celebrated in Texas on June 19, 1865, marks the freedom of enslaved people and is a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality.
The civic movement urges parents, neighbors, pastors, youth, and stakeholders to take responsibility for holding elected officials and businesses accountable for the increase in crime and city disinvestment.
During Wednesday’s news conference, the discussion touched on the tragic events that have occurred in Memphis recently. Specifically, speakers mentioned the mass shooting that took place in April in Orange Mound, as well as the recent killing of Shaun Rhea, a homeless man, in Downtown Memphis.
According to activists, there is a need for local leaders and officials to take more action in safeguarding their communities.
Local human rights and community activist, Pamela Moses, advocates for redirecting resources from the police to the people. According to her, prioritizing social programs and initiatives that address the root cause of crime and violence is crucial. She emphasizes that the Campaign for Change should not just be a photo opportunity but rather an operational surgery to eradicate homelessness, increase public safety, and foster cultural pride for everyone.
