Written By JR Robinson

Shelby County, Tennessee is entering a season of transformation and tension. Legendary Memphis leader Myron Lowery was laid to rest just last week, leaving a legacy of iron-willed integrity and unity. Now his son, Commissioner Mickell Lowery, finds himself in the national spotlight—running for County Mayor at a time when Memphis and Shelby County face an unforgiving crossroads.

The Political Landscape: Change vs. “Business as Usual”

The race for Shelby County Mayor is anything but routine. Republicans see an opening to take the county—a dramatic power shift after decades of Democratic control. Yet Democratic leaders, battered by budget feuds and swirling criticism of Mayor Lee Harris, appear to be behaving as if the stakes haven’t changed.

Many residents, and even some insiders, consider Lee Harris to be among the least effective mayors in county history. Delays in budget proposals, ethics board disputes, and unpopular decisions have left the community restless and divided. Memphis itself is once again in the spotlight—too often, for headlines about crime, financial strain, leadership squabbles, and public distrust.

Against this backdrop, Mickell Lowery emerges as a candidate unwilling to accept the status quo.

Shelby County’s Unprecedented Challenges

Whoever wins the mayoral race will inherit urgent, complex problems:

• Crime & Safety: Despite recent drops in key crime statistics, public perception remains anxious. Many neighborhoods feel less safe, and ongoing police and deputy shortages threaten progress.

• Education Disparities: Too many children lack resources and support; schools remain underfunded and stretched.

• Economic Inequality: Skyrocketing property taxes, regressive fee hikes, stagnant wages, and persistent poverty afflict even “modest” homeowners and families.

• Infrastructure & Growth: Where is the vision for roads, transit, broadband, and basic services? Many communities feel forgotten.

• Trust in Leadership: Ethics disputes, controversies, budget gridlock, and a lack of transparency have eroded public trust—a dangerous reality as the county faces historic change.

For Shelby County, these are more than talking points. They are immediate, personal concerns—affecting jobs, safety, hope, and the soul of every neighborhood.

Mickell Lowery: What He Brings to the Table

Mickell Lowery’s credentials are hard to match:

• Proven Leadership: A Shelby County Commissioner since 2018, he’s chaired the commission and led the budget committee.

• Servant Leadership, Not Just Politics: Mickell has served as president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, headed the alumni association at LeMoyne-Owen College, and chaired the Memphis Housing Authority. He’s mentored youth and worked to expand after-school programs.

• Business Experience: With over 20 years at FedEx, Mickell understands global logistics and local economic engines.

• Community Connection: He’s a presence not just in boardrooms but ballfields and classrooms, known for listening and showing up for the work, not just the photo ops.

• Family Legacy: Son of Myron Lowery—Memphis’s longest-serving councilman, city court clerk, and mayor pro tem—Mickell is steeped in civic duty and the values of service and unity.

His platform: Safety, equity, opportunity, and effective government. Mickell calls county residents to unite, confront issues head-on, and use this moment to build a place “where every family has a shot at success, every neighborhood thrives, and government works for all”.

Myron Lowery shaped Memphis by leading with compassion, vision, and an unwavering sense of justice. He was the first full-time Black reporter at WMC-TV, a pioneering anchor, a political trailblazer, and a mentor to generations. Myron’s career was defined by breaking barriers—not just on TV, but in city halls and communities across Memphis. He was known for hosting annual interfaith breakfasts, urging unity amid diversity, and placing community service above partisanship.

If Myron could speak to Mickell today, he might say:

• “Fight for the place you call home. Listen to the people, not the headlines.”

• “Lead with humility—never forget that service is the true mark of greatness.”

• “Don’t shy from hard decisions; stand up for the families that need you most.”

• “Honor, integrity, and love for Memphis must guide every step.”

His would be a blessing—and a challenge to rise even higher.

Why Mickell Lowery Stands Out

Unlike most candidates, Mickell is not afraid to acknowledge the county's flaws while seeing opportunity for bold change. He is a standout because:

• He’s rooted in the community’s struggles and triumphs.

• He listens first, acts decisively, and puts relationships over rhetoric.

• He brings leadership learned both at his father’s side and in his own decades of public service.

• He’s ready to move the county beyond “business as usual.”

Lowery’s campaign is an invitation for Shelby County: Dream bigger, work harder, and believe that together, home is worth fighting for.

A Call to the Community: Your Voice Matters

As this pivotal race unfolds, it’s time to open the conversation. We invite you to share your questions, statements, and hopes for Shelby County’s future—and for Mickell’s campaign.