Written by: JR Robinson

In celebration of Women's History Month, we turn our attention to one of Memphis' most dedicated public servants, County Commissioner Erika Sugarmon. Her journey from educator to political leader exemplifies the power of perseverance, community engagement, and a commitment to social justice.

A Legacy of Service

Erika Sugarmon's path to public service is deeply rooted in her family's legacy. As the daughter of the late Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, a Civil Rights lawyer, and the late Dr. Miriam DeCosta Willis, a social justice activist, professor, and author, Erika was raised with a strong sense of civic duty and a passion for equality. This foundation would shape her future endeavors and drive her commitment to improving the lives of those in her community.

Educational Journey and Career

Sugarmon's dedication to education is evident in both her personal academic achievements and her professional career. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), a Master of Public Administration (MPA), and a Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT), all from the University of Memphis. Currently, she is pursuing a doctoral degree in Education Leadership & Policy (EdD) at the same institution, demonstrating her commitment to lifelong learning.

For over two decades, Sugarmon has been a fixture in the Shelby County school district, serving as an educator for 25 years. Her experience in the classroom has given her invaluable insights into the challenges faced by students and teachers alike, informing her later work as a public official.

Before her tenure as an educator, Sugarmon served as the Deputy Director of Finance for the Shelby County Criminal Court. This role provided her with a unique perspective on the intersection of finance, criminal justice, and public policy – knowledge that would prove crucial in her future endeavors.

Sugarmon's transition from educator to elected official was a natural progression of her commitment to public service. In August 2022, she was elected to represent District 12 on the Shelby County Board of Commissioners. This district encompasses Hickory Hill, Richwood, Southwind, Bennington Place, and several unincorporated areas of Southeast Shelby County.

Her campaign focused on issues close to the hearts of her constituents: better jobs, stronger neighborhoods, and a renewable future. Sugarmon's years of community engagement and her deep understanding of local issues resonated with voters, leading to her successful election.

Advocacy for Youth Justice

One of Commissioner Sugarmon's most passionate causes is youth justice. She has been a vocal advocate for improving the conditions and services provided to young people in the criminal justice system.

Sugarmon has been particularly concerned with the education and visitation rights of youth in custody. She has pushed for better educational opportunities and improved visitation processes, recognizing the importance of maintaining family connections for incarcerated youth.

Her efforts extend beyond advocacy. Sugarmon has taken concrete steps to address these issues, including:

Sponsoring resolutions to allocate funding for feasibility studies, site acquisition, and architectural design for a new inmate mental health facility.
Leading a delegation to study successful models like the Davidson County Residential Drug Court and Behavioral Care Center.
Pushing for improved visitation processes at the Shelby County Youth Justice Center.

Sugarmon's approach to youth justice emphasizes rehabilitation and support over punitive measures. She believes that addressing mental health issues and providing comprehensive support services are crucial in tackling crime and ensuring public safety.

Community Engagement and Leadership

Beyond her official duties, Sugarmon is deeply involved in various community organizations. She serves on the Board of Women in Leadership Leaning on Wisdom (WILLOW), the Tennessee Women's Political Caucus (TN-WPC), the Shelby County Democratic Party (SCDP), and the Memphis-Shelby County Education Association (M-SCEA.

Her leadership roles extend to chairing the Youth Village Council and serving on the Foster Care Review Board. Sugarmon has also been a delegate for both the National Education Association (NEA) and the Tennessee Education Association (TEA).

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sugarmon's expertise was called upon as she served on the Tennessee COVID-19 Health Care Task Force. This experience further honed her skills in crisis management and public health policy.

Lessons from Erika Sugarmon's Example

Sugarmon's career offers several valuable lessons for aspiring leaders and community advocates:

The power of education: Sugarmon's commitment to lifelong learning demonstrates the importance of continually expanding one's knowledge and skills.
Community involvement: Her extensive engagement with various organizations shows the value of being deeply connected to the community one serves.
Bridging diverse experiences: Sugarmon's background in education, finance, and criminal justice illustrates how diverse experiences can inform and enhance public service.
Advocacy for the vulnerable: Her focus on youth justice and mental health highlights the importance of giving voice to those often overlooked in society.
Family legacy and personal responsibility: Sugarmon's work honors her family's legacy while forging her own path in public service.
Balancing multiple roles: As a mother, grandmother, educator, and public servant, Sugarmon exemplifies how one can successfully juggle various responsibilities while making a significant impact.

Ongoing Initiatives

Commissioner Sugarmon continues to be a driving force for positive change in Shelby County. Some of her current initiatives include:

Chairing the Workforce Development committee, focusing on creating job opportunities and skills training for county residents.
Serving as Vice Chair of the Law Enforcement, Corrections & Courts committee, where she advocates for reforms and improvements in the justice system.
Hosting monthly social justice series, such as the recent "Hispanic Cultural Impact" event, which brings together community leaders to discuss important social issues.

A Personal Tribute from JR Robinson, CEO of JustMy

"Commissioner Erika Sugarmon embodies the spirit of dedicated public service that our community needs. She listens to everyone, calculates the cost of change, and then executes with surgical accuracy. She is soft-spoken and charming on the outside, but a fighter for justice on the inside.

Her approach to leadership is both inspiring and effective. By taking the time to truly hear the concerns of her constituents, Sugarmon ensures that her actions are always in service of the community's real needs. Her background in education and finance allows her to carefully consider the implications of policy changes, ensuring that good intentions translate into positive outcomes.

What truly sets Commissioner Sugarmon apart is her ability to turn plans into action. Once she has listened and calculated, she moves forward with determination and precision. Her work on youth justice, mental health initiatives, and community engagement demonstrates her commitment to making tangible improvements in people's lives.

As we celebrate Women's History Month, we are reminded of the countless women who have fought for justice and equality throughout our nation's history. Commissioner Erika Sugarmon stands as a worthy heir to this legacy, continuing the fight for a more just and equitable society right here in Shelby County.

Her story is one of perseverance, dedication, and unwavering commitment to public service. It serves as an inspiration not only to women aspiring to enter public service but to all who seek to make a positive difference in their communities. We at JustMy are proud to highlight Commissioner Sugarmon's achievements and ongoing work, and we look forward to seeing the continued positive impact she will undoubtedly have on our community in the years to come."

In conclusion, Commissioner Erika Sugarmon's journey from educator to influential public servant is a testament to the power of dedication, community engagement, and a steadfast commitment to justice. Her work continues to shape Shelby County for the better, setting an example for future generations of leaders and activists. As we celebrate Women's History Month, we honor Commissioner Sugarmon and the countless other women who work tirelessly to create a more equitable and just society for all.