Written by: JR Robinson

This past Tuesday, Board Commissioner District 2 Natalie McKinney delivered a powerful speech at The Dwelling Place in Memphis, addressing critical issues surrounding education in Shelby County, with a particular focus on District 6. Her address highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to education and community involvement, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to support students and their families.

Personal Experience Driving Change

McKinney shared her personal experiences as a mother of two sons who graduated from Memphis Shelby County Schools (MSCS). Her pride in their achievements, attributed to the public school system, underscored her dedication to enhancing educational outcomes for all students in the district.

Whole Child Strategy and the 7 P's

As the co-founder and executive director of Whole Child Strategies, McKinney has been instrumental in implementing a comprehensive support system for students. This initiative aligns closely with Commissioner Charlie Caswell's "7 P's Community Collaboration" framework, which emphasizes:

1. Parents: Engaging families in the educational process is essential for student success.
2. Principals: School leadership plays a crucial role in fostering an environment conducive to learning.
3. Pastors: Community faith leaders can provide support and guidance to families and students.
4. Partners: Collaboration with local organizations enhances educational resources and opportunities.
5. Proprietors: Local businesses can contribute by providing internships and job opportunities for students.
6. Police: Building positive relationships between law enforcement and schools can improve safety and trust within the community.
7. Politicians: Advocacy for policies that support education is vital for long-term systemic change.

Addressing Systemic Issues

McKinney's speech tackled several systemic issues impeding educational access and success:

• Generational Poverty: She emphasized the long-term impact on education and the need for sustainable solutions.
• Local Living Wage: McKinney urged the community to consider what constitutes a living wage in Shelby County, highlighting its importance for family stability.
• Collaboration Over Competition: She called for unity among stakeholders, criticizing the tendency to compete for limited resources instead of working together for larger funding opportunities.

Education as a Catalyst for Change

While reiterating the crucial role of education in breaking the cycle of poverty, McKinney stressed that it must be paired with comprehensive support systems addressing transportation, healthcare, and employment opportunities for families.

Community-Led Solutions

McKinney shared examples of successful community-led initiatives that emerged in response to local needs, such as improving access to fresh food during the pandemic.

A Call to Collective Action

In her closing remarks, McKinney emphasized the importance of collective action in addressing educational disparities in Shelby County. She urged everyone to recognize their role in fostering an environment where all children have access to quality education and necessary resources for success.

This InfoHUB District 6 event, held just this past Tuesday, served as a powerful reminder of the challenges facing our education system and the critical role that every community member plays in shaping the future of our youth. By aligning with Commissioner Caswell's 7 P's framework and embracing McKinney's call for holistic support, we can create a more comprehensive and effective approach to supporting our schools and, by extension, our entire community. The message is clear: "We cannot keep fighting each other for these small dollars; we need to come together and get the big dollars together."