“Liberty and justice for all.” That is a phrase that many Memphians are familiar with. While liberty within the pledge of allegiance to the U.S. is aspirational, in the More For Memphis (MFM) initiative, the term is intentional.
MFM envisions a city that has already been liberated and become equitable. The plan digs into the crime statistics that make Memphis infamous in a way that addresses systemic inequities that perpetuate cycles of poverty, violence, and disinvestment generation after generation.
Erica Coleman, a Social Policy Consultant at
Seeding Success, stated, “Justice & Safety goes beyond critiquing the system. It acknowledges the pain and harm caused by systemic injustice but also recognizes the struggles that stem from the generational hurt of living in disinvested communities.”
Seeding Success is a Memphis cradle-to-career partnership that seeks to ensure children have the support and resources they need to succeed. Coleman is a key voice in the Justice & Safety anchor collaboratives of MFM. The collaborative is one of six for the initiative including Community Development, Education & Youth, Economic Development, Health & Well-Being, and Arts & Culture.
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Erica Coleman.
The collaborative focused its strategy on making sure Justice & Safety become real, tangible, and accessible to everyone, no matter their ZIP code. Beyond reforming police practices and reducing crime rates, collaborative participants focused on a holistic approach to creating a safer Memphis for Black and Brown communities.
Holistic change starts with community
One of the defining aspects of the MFM initiative is its focus on community-driven change. However, this is not a top-down, one-size-fits-all approach. MFM recognizes that justice requires engaging with people on the ground — listening to their stories, amplifying their voices, and using data and research to develop actionable solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of Memphis communities.
Coleman’s approach to the Justice & Safety anchor reflects this philosophy. Her personal and professional experiences have shown her that justice isn’t just a policy issue. Whether it’s the trauma of incarceration, the loss of loved ones to gun violence, or the day-to-day realities of navigating a flawed justice system, the fight for justice is deeply intertwined with the struggle for economic opportunity, health, and wellness.
MFM’s Justice & Safety participants like Coleman noted in their sessions that justice is not solely about system reform. The group explored building infrastructures for opportunity and safety in Memphis that are rooted in community input and considerate of the needs of all Memphians.
“Justice & Safety is often treated as an isolated issue, but in reality, it is deeply tied to gaps in other sectors,” said Coleman.
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Courtesy photo.
Addressing the root causes of injustice
The Justice & Safety anchor of MFM drilled down to the root causes of injustice, including systemic inequities in housing, education, health, and economic access. The group discussed how these causes contribute to cycles of crime and violence in the city.
One key strategy the anchor landed on is shifting the focus from punitive measures to proactive solutions. The group wants Memphis to strategize around mental health services, substance abuse support, educational opportunities, and community-led safety initiatives to address them before they become critical issues.
The anchor also explored rethinking how police interact with Memphis residents. Conversations that surfaced during their sessions included advocacy for community policing, building stronger relationships between law enforcement and neighborhoods through proactive engagement, de-escalation training, and a focus on resolving conflicts without resorting to violence.
Building a stronger Memphis together
Creating a liberated, equitable Memphis will happen in a vacuum as MFM asks that all parts of the city work together. Coleman stated, “Everyone has a role to play. No one individual, group, or organization holds all the answers, nor does anyone’s experience or perspective outweigh another’s.”
This collaborative spirit is part of the MFM's DNA. The initiative brings together a wide range of community partners, local organizations, grassroots leaders, policymakers, and residents. There is a dedication to making sure that the solutions presented are grounded in the lived experiences of those who need them most.
“We must focus on collaboration and set aside egos, personal agendas, and positions of privilege,” Coleman advised. “We cannot afford to waste another minute. Enough time has passed, and if I am being completely honest, I believe progress should have started yesterday.”
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Courtesy photo.The power of art, opportunity, and access
One thing that sets MFM apart from other initiatives is the idea of creating a community where every person has access to opportunity. It is here that Coleman explained the initiative’s connection across sectors like education, health, arts, and economic development.
“The challenges within Justice & Safety often stem from systemic inequities in these other areas,” said Coleman. “Although Justice & Safety often focus on economic, community, health, and education-related issues, art is just as important in addressing and overcoming challenges. I see art’s connections, particularly in how it serves as a vehicle for healing, expression, and purpose for those affected by systemic injustices.”
Messages of a collaborative, cross-sector approach echo throughout the MFM plan. The plan is for everyone, regardless of where they live, how much they make, or the color of their skin. Coleman’s call to action for the city focuses on putting aside differences to achieve the goals outlined in the MFM plan, specifically Justice & Safety.