As Memphis continues to face difficulties with food access, safety, and economic opportunity, local residents and students are speaking out to create a brighter future for the city. From upgrading public places to investing in job training, they envision a Memphis where everyone has the resources they require to flourish.
Nyla Mills, a 20-year-old biology major at the University of Memphis, believes the shift begins with the city's image and accessibility. "First things first, Memphis needs a better and welcoming atmosphere," she said. "Starting by having streets cleaned and not letting buildings just become vacant." Mills' remarks reflect a growing trend among Memphis residents who believe that the city's physical landscape is essential to its attraction. Empty, crumbling buildings and litter-filled streets, she claims, add to a sense of neglect that deters both inhabitants and potential immigrants from investing in the area.
Mills sees untapped potential in some of Memphis' abandoned properties. "Once we figure out how to buy more buildings for healthy grocery stores and positive change, then it would have a surplus in growth of residents and better working areas," she said. For Mills, the existence of healthy grocery stores has the potential to transform the city's food deserts and improve inhabitants' quality of life. Residents in locations with limited access to fresh food are often forced to rely on fast food or convenience stores, which has been related to health problems such as diabetes and hypertension.
Improving food access is just one part of the equation for a safer and more prosperous Memphis. Amiyah Price, a 20-year-old from Mississippi, says community investment is another important concern. Price believes that community programs that assist at-risk individuals can address the core causes of many challenges in Memphis. "Personally, I believe investing in community programs can provide support and opportunities for at-risk individuals," she said. "Education and job training programs can help break the cycle of poverty and crime." Price's findings are consistent with research demonstrating that job training and educational support can reduce crime by providing individuals with better alternatives to criminal activity.
One area Price highlighted as particularly important is the relationship between the police and the community. Improving police-community ties, she stated, is critical to fostering a safer atmosphere in Memphis. "When law enforcement builds trust with residents, it fosters a sense of safety and cooperation," she stated. Many Memphis residents have advocated for policing reforms, stressing community-oriented practices that prioritize de-escalation and relationship building over violent measures. Proponents claim that this method will help Memphis areas feel safer while also lowering conflicts between police and the people they serve.
For many Memphis residents, safety concerns extend beyond policing. Dalyn Bailey, a 19-year-old, emphasized another important factor: how residents treat one another in their daily encounters. "Honestly, we should just treat one other better. The major reason I want to leave my job is because of how I'm treated," Bailey explained. Her remark reflects a larger issue in Memphis' service and retail industries, where employees frequently cite harsh working conditions, poor earnings, and a lack of respect. Bailey believes that by building a culture of reciprocal respect, Memphis can boost morale and job satisfaction, lowering turnover and helping businesses grow.
Taylor Henderson, a 19-year-old student, believes that a sense of community pride is also necessary for Memphis to become a desirable place to live and work. Henderson feels that participating in Memphis' rich culture and activities might help inhabitants appreciate the city more. "Go to the local festivals, go to community service, meet people organically and stop only having friends from school or work," Henderson stated. "You'll gain a different respect for the city and pride." Her statements emphasize the necessity of promoting a favorable public image for Memphis, one that is based on its distinct culture, history, and community relationships.
The voices of these young students indicate a diverse approach to solving the city's issues. They provide tangible measures that could have a long-term influence on Memphis, like beautifying public places and boosting food access, as well as developing a culture of respect and investing in community initiatives. Their viewpoints are consistent with larger citywide talks about the need for comprehensive reforms that emphasize citizens' well-being while also laying the framework for a more robust local economy. However, true change will necessitate dedication, teamwork, and a common vision among neighborhood residents, companies, and city officials alike. Memphis has a path to become a city that better fulfills the needs of its people and creates a future in which everyone can prosper by listening to folks like Mills, Price, Bailey, and Henderson. As the community rallies around these challenges, the next steps will be essential in determining whether Memphis can reach its full potential as a dynamic, inclusive city for all.
