Local & National News | November 03, 2025
By JR Robinson, JustMyMemphis.com
“We Are Not the Problem, But the Possibility”
The October 27, 2025, commission meeting was unforgettable—not just for heated votes or budget resolutions, but for the courage, urgency, and clarity of Shelby County’s youth. For once, the grown-ups were listening, and the youth commission seized the moment. They came not to perform, but to transform: to push for mental health funding, to decry failed systems, and to demand that county leaders build hope, not more jails.
The Youth Council Steps Up
With an audience of policymakers, families, and citizens, the Shelby County Youth Commission and allied students took to the podium. Each voice told a story of struggle, solidarity, and policy demand.
Brooklyn Reeves, a high school senior and youth commissioner, opened with words that echoed across generations:
“Memphis has a beautiful and unique culture and community. But when you introduce agencies like ICE and the National Guard, that community and culture get disrupted… I am in support of this resolution because investing in education, housing, and health care is what creates real change in our community.”
Speaking Up for Mental Health
Shireen Sedrain, speaking for District 2, was direct:
“Today, I’m here to share with you our youth mental health campaign… Mental health remains one of the most underdiscussed issues affecting our youth. Too often, their struggles are dismissed, misunderstood, or met with silence… The only mental health resource in many schools is a single counselor, and that’s not enough. Our youth deserve more than a system that leaves them waiting and unsupported.”
She called for commissioners—and the entire Shelby County community—to:
Personal Testimonies: “Invest in the Hopes That Keep Us Alive”
The passion was palpable as Jordan Coley, youth representative for District 12, exposed the myth that youth don’t struggle:
“We’ve seen classmates disappear behind smiles. We watch our friends cry silently in bathrooms between classes, and still decisions are made about our mental health without us in the room. That ends now. We may not have a ballot but we do have a voice. We are not powerless because we cannot vote—we’re powerful because we live this reality every single day.”
Their request: make youth mental health a true priority—not just a promise—in the 2026–2027 Shelby County budget.
Beyond Budgets: Jail Expansion vs. Preventive Support
The youth council made it crystal clear:
They do not want more money poured into jail expansion.
They want investments in mental health, education, and community resources—not punitive infrastructure.
London Jordan, education justice community organizer, argued:
“The inclusion of creating a new jail isn’t supportive of the community. You’re just creating an idea of recidivism rather than actually supporting the community… Rather than creating new jails, we should be focusing on investing more into education for our future generation, and figuring out ways on how to create safety without causing mass incarceration.”
Mark Williams, representing District 10, drove home hard data:
He explained that many youth don’t even know what mental health rights they have, or how to access the resources that do exist.
Citing Solitary Confinement & Systemic Failures
The youth also confronted the overuse of solitary confinement in juvenile justice and corrections. They pleaded for rules that would end unnecessary isolation and for investment in prevention measures.
“Adultism and stigmatization of mental health affect youth on all levels, and we are committed to helping alleviate these barriers. We can defeat this epidemic, but only if we work together.”
Commissioners Respond: From Listening to Commitment
The youth didn’t just receive applause—they ignited real conversation.
Commissioner Charlie Caswell and others praised the youth’s advocacy:
Multiple commissioners promised:
Lowery and Other Leaders: Respect and Unity
Commissioner Mickell Lowery spoke directly to the youth:
“Thank you all the students for voicing your opinions, for being here and hanging out with us a little bit. You see how the process works and look forward to one of you all one of these days sitting up here as well helping to make some of these decisions.”
He and others called for continued youth organizing at the ground level and stressed that the fight for mental health resources and safe neighborhoods is ongoing.
The Debate: Jail, Budgets, and a Divided Community
Some commissioners explained the challenges:
The jail is “overcrowded… a trauma center… literally has reached the point of no return”—so maintaining a facility is necessary, even while prevention remains the ultimate goal.
However, all agreed that universal pre-K and educational investment remain critical.
A diversity of youth perspectives were acknowledged, but the overwhelming student consensus was clear: choose support and prevention, not more punishment—invest in hope, not more cells.
Aftermath: What Was Committed
“Together, We Can Build a Community That Listens, Supports, and Empowers Every Young Person”
The October 27th meeting marked a historic turning point: youth were not a side note. They led the charge, educated the establishment, and demanded that a better Shelby County start now—not in the distant future.
Their stand is a challenge to every resident, official, and adult in the county: will we listen, invest, and empower our youth, or repeat the mistakes of disinvestment? If the energy in the Commission meeting is any indication, Shelby County’s youngest advocates are just getting started—and the future is brighter because of it.
Put your business in front of thousands of LOCALS! Create your free listing on the NewsSTAND and update your profile anytime to share the latest info, specials, and contact details.
Got a story to Share? Pitch your idea or write an article for the NewsSTAND! Join us in highlighting the positive and powerful moments that make our city shine.
We’re passionate about working together to amplify our City. Reach out to the NewsSTAND team to explore collaboration opportunities and make a difference in our community.
Hover over each card to unlock the full story and see what you’re about to get!
