An Extension of Service: An Interview with Shelby County Commissioner (District 10) Britney Thornton

Shelby County Clerk Candidate

Local & National News | March 20, 2026 | 2:55 p.m. CDT

Written by: Gilbert Barnes Carter III

1. What is your solution to at least reduce the politicizing of work that is centered around major local social justice issues such as environmental justice?

"My approach is rooted in neighborhood organizing. Honestly, when it comes to environmental justice, there are often powerful financial interests involved and the only real counter to that is people power."

"Here in Shelby County, we are fortunate to have strong, knowledgeable environmental justice advocates already doing the work. As an elected official, I see my role as supporting those experts and helping amplify their efforts as they organize and mobilize communities."

"My direct focus has been on strengthening neighborhoods by helping residents build and sustain neighborhood associations. Because the truth is, disorganized communities cannot safeguard their people. But when communities are informed, connected, and organized, they become powerful voices that can demand accountability and drive real change."

"Honestly, when it comes to environmental justice, there are often powerful financial interests involved and the only real counter to that is people power."

Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton

2. Which words of affirmation do you have for our young schoolchildren who live in our historic Orange Mound community?

"To the young people of Historic Orange Mound and across Shelby County, know that the future is in your hands."

"The world you’re growing up in is different from generations before you. The challenges you face are new, and that means you have the freedom, and the responsibility, to create new solutions."

"Hear me clearly: You are free to do things differently."

"More than ever, your strength will be found in togetherness. Lean into the wisdom of those who came before you, build strong relationships with your peers, and never forget to keep your faith in God."

"As someone who was raised from humble beginnings and is still amazed by how far I’ve come, I want to encourage you to just keep going. Put one foot in front of the other, stay focused, and trust that your journey is unfolding exactly as it should."

"The world you’re growing up in is different from generations before you. The challenges you face are new, and that means you have the freedom, and the responsibility, to create new solutions."

Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton

3. Which specific issues with regard to the Shelby County Clerk's Office are the most troubling based on the feedback that you have received from your constituents?

"What’s most troubling to me is that the Shelby County Clerk’s Office will directly impact young adults over the next eight years, yet so many in our generation are still disengaged from the voting process."

"As the largest voting bloc in Shelby County, we have both the power and the responsibility to be informed and to show up, starting this April 15th."

"As one of the few young adult candidates on the ballot, I take seriously the responsibility of being a generational leader. This office touches every household in Shelby County, and it presents a real opportunity to demonstrate that young leaders are competent, capable, and compassionate."

"The most vocalized frustrations are the long lines, inconsistency, and poor customer service which are all solvable problems. With better systems, clearer communication, and stronger leadership, we can create an experience that restores order and public trust to the Clerk's Office."

"Make a vote of confidence this election by supporting Britney Thornton for Shelby County Clerk. For the best, start FRESH."

"The most vocalized frustrations are the long lines, inconsistency, and poor customer service which are all solvable problems. With better systems, clearer communication, and stronger leadership, we can create an experience that restores order and public trust to the Clerk's Office."

Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton

4. Your campaign victory was historic here in Shelby County. You officially began your public service on August 4, 2022 as the youngest individual to be elected to serve as a Shelby County Commissioner. Which specific takeaways do you have from your service across District 10 for service as the Shelby County Clerk?

"Serving as the youngest woman elected to oversee a $1.6 billion budget on the Shelby County Board of Commissioners has taught me how to lead with both urgency and responsibility."

"In my first term, I’ve learned a great deal about how local government operates and just as importantly, how decisions are made behind the scenes. My most valuable lessons have taught me how to navigate complex systems, work across different perspectives, and most importantly, how to listen to the people I serve and turn their concerns into action."

"Hands down, I am transitioning with a better understanding that our government works best when it is intentional and accountable. All lessons learned will directly shape how I lead the Clerk’s Office as a focused, responsive, and committed servant leader who delivers results for every resident."

"My most valuable lessons have taught me how to navigate complex systems, work across different perspectives, and most importantly, how to listen to the people I serve and turn their concerns into action."

Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton

Photo Credits:

Header Photo by: Shelby County Commissioner Britney Thornton

Gilbert Barnes Carter III is a Memphis-based author, child welfare advocate, community organizer, emerging farmer, gardener, journalist, and social justice advocate. He began his social justice advocacy and work by serving as a Shelby County Fetal and Infant Mortality Review (FIMR) Board volunteer in 2005. He has worked since then to effectuate change for low-wage, immigrant, and migrant workers as a Temporary Workers Campaign Manager with Workers Interfaith Network; an advocate for Teamsters Local 667 sanitation workers; and a community / field organizer to uphold blight reduction, efficient public mass transit, environmental justice, food access, food justice, food security, narrative change, and public safety.