Corey Strong, a former U.S. Navy officer and current congressional candidate, is on a mission to bring new leadership and a fresh perspective to Tennessee's 9th District. But for Strong, his campaign is about more than just politics - it's about family, community, and the power of education to transform lives.

In a sit-down interview with Strong and his wife, Angela, it's clear that family is at the heart of everything they do. "Growing up, my parents instilled in me the values of hard work, integrity, and service to others," Strong reflects. "Those lessons have guided me throughout my life, from my time in the Navy to my current role as a community leader."

Angela, who was born and raised in Chicago, adds her own perspective on the importance of family. "Growing up in Chicago, I saw firsthand the impact that education can have on a community," she says. "I'm proud to be a part of Corey's campaign, and I know that his commitment to education will make a real difference in the lives of our children."

Strong's campaign is built on three key pillars: Industry, Infrastructure, and Education. "I believe that by investing in our schools and our families, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community," Strong explains. "That's why I'm running for Congress - to be a voice for the people of Memphis and to fight for the values that matter most to us."

A Proud Product of Memphis City Schools

Corey Strong graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2003 and became a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy. He served on active duty for 8 years and has deployed to the Persian Gulf, the Pacific Rim, South America, and two tours in Afghanistan.

Strong is a proud product of Memphis City Schools, having attended the city's public schools from a young age. This experience has shaped his perspective on the challenges facing the education system and the importance of investing in our children's future.

"As a product of Memphis City Schools, I know firsthand the challenges that our public education system faces," he explains. "But I also know the transformative power of a good education. It's what allowed me to attend the U.S. Naval Academy and serve my country with honor."

Investing in Education and Community

Strong's commitment to education is a driving force behind his congressional campaign. He believes that by investing in our schools and supporting families, we can build a stronger, more vibrant community.

"Education was always a top priority for us," Strong's wife, Angela, says. "We wanted to make sure our kids had access to the best schools and resources possible, so they could reach their full potential."

This sentiment is echoed by Strong himself, who remains focused on his core message of family, community, and the power of education. "At the end of the day, this campaign is about more than just politics," he says. "It's about building a better future for our kids and our grandkids. And that's a cause that I'm proud to fight for."

Empowering Memphis Youth

Strong's vision for Memphis extends beyond just education. He is also committed to empowering the city's youth and creating opportunities for them to thrive.

Through his involvement with the Empowering Memphis Youth movement, Strong is working to build a stronger, more vibrant community where every young person has the opportunity to succeed. By getting involved in this initiative, individuals can support youth empowerment programs and help shape a brighter tomorrow for Memphis.

"By getting involved in these ways, you can help us build a stronger, more vibrant community where every young person has the opportunity to thrive," the Empowering Memphis Youth website states. "Join us in this transformative journey as we empower the youth of Memphis to shape a brighter tomorrow."

Supporting Teachers and Investing in Infrastructure

In addition to his focus on education and youth empowerment, Strong is also committed to supporting teachers and investing in the city's infrastructure.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) recently announced that they will invest an additional $28.4 million toward teacher salaries in the 2024-2025 fiscal year. This pay increase, which was included in the District's latest teacher memorandum of understanding (MOU) and approved unanimously by the MSCS Board of Education, demonstrates a commitment to supporting educators.

"Our ... teachers are a precious resource," Board Chair Althea Greene said. "They are worth every penny, and I am so pleased that we can enter the 2024-25 school year on great footing with this competitive compensation package."

Strong's campaign platform also includes a focus on investing in the city's infrastructure. By creating jobs and economic opportunity, he believes that we can build a stronger, more prosperous Memphis.

Connecting with the Community

To learn more about Corey Strong's campaign and his vision for Memphis, the public is invited to attend a special event on May 11th at the Malco Paradiso Cinema.

The launch event will feature a screening of the new movie "Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes" and will provide a platform for networking with city leaders, spiritual leaders, and other stakeholders in youth development. This is a unique chance to connect with like-minded individuals and organizations that are dedicated to empowering the youth of Memphis.

The event will also mark the unveiling of the Empowering Memphis Youth directory, a digital resource that showcases local organizations and their programs. This directory will serve as a valuable tool for those looking to support and engage with youth empowerment initiatives in the city.

Corey Strong's campaign for Congress is about more than just politics - it's about family, community, and the power of education to transform lives. By investing in our schools, supporting teachers, and empowering the youth of Memphis, Strong believes that we can build a stronger, more vibrant city.

As he continues to campaign for the 9th District seat, Strong remains focused on his core message of hard work, integrity, and service to others. With the support of his family and the Memphis community, he is confident that he can make a real difference in the lives of those he serves.

To learn more about Corey Strong's campaign and his vision for Memphis, check out the latest episode of the Smoke Podcast, available now on Instagram, and attend the Empowering Memphis Youth event on May 11th at the Malco Paradiso Cinema.