A Call to Action for Shelby County: Investing in Our Future, Together
Local & National News | June 16, 2025
Local & National News | June 16, 2025
By Commissioner Charlie Caswell, Jr.
Standing at the Crossroads
Shelby County, our home, stands at a pivotal crossroads. The choices we make today will echo for generations, shaping the lives of our children, the safety of our neighborhoods, and the prosperity of our entire community. The challenges we face are real and urgent: the lingering scars of the COVID-19 pandemic, the painful label of Memphis as the “Murder Capital of the United States,” and the sobering reality that 75% of our children are falling behind in reading and math. Our opportunity youth—those on the brink of adulthood—are especially vulnerable, caught in the crosshairs of rising violence and a lack of real opportunities.
But these are not just statistics. These are our children, our neighbors, our friends. This is our community. And the time to act is now.
The State of Shelby County: A Sobering Reality
The Lingering Impact of the Pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has left deep wounds in Shelby County. Families have lost loved ones, businesses have shuttered, and the fabric of our community has been stretched thin. The pandemic exposed and exacerbated long-standing inequities in healthcare, education, and economic opportunity. Recovery has been slow, and for many, the road ahead still feels uncertain.
The Crisis in Education
Perhaps the most alarming statistic is that 75% of our children are not meeting grade-level expectations in reading and math. This is not just an educational crisis—it is a crisis for our future workforce, our economy, and our shared prosperity. If we do not act now to invest in our children’s education, we risk perpetuating a cycle of poverty and despair.
Rising Violence and Opportunity Youth
Memphis has tragically earned the title of the Murder Capital of the United States. Our youth, especially those classified as “opportunity youth”—young people aged 16 to 24 who are neither in school nor working—are at a critical juncture. Without intervention, too many are drawn into cycles of violence, incarceration, and lost potential.
The Cycle of Disinvestment
For too long, our inner-city neighborhoods have been neglected. Disinvestment has led to crumbling infrastructure, inadequate schools, and limited access to healthcare and mental health services. This cycle must end. As Albert Einstein famously said, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” It is time to break the cycle.
Progress Made: Laying the Foundation for Change
New Investments in Education
When I ran for office two and a half years ago, I made a promise to bring real investments to our most underserved communities. I am proud to report that we have made significant strides. Funding has been allocated for a new high school in Frayser—the first in 50 years. This is more than just a building; it is a beacon of hope and a symbol of our commitment to the next generation.
Enhancing Health Services
We are moving forward with plans to build a new Regional One Hospital and a Mental Health Justice Center. These investments will expand access to quality healthcare and provide critical support for those struggling with mental health challenges. Our goal is to create a healthcare system that serves everyone, regardless of zip code or income.
Supporting Our Most Vulnerable
We have increased support for our seniors, invested in programs to uplift our homeless population, and expanded mental health services. These efforts are just the beginning. We must continue to build a safety net that catches everyone in need and helps them get back on their feet.
The Work Ahead: A Vision for a Stronger Shelby County
Investing in Our Youth
Our children are our most precious resource. We must invest in early childhood education, after-school programs, and mentorship opportunities. We need to ensure that every child in Shelby County has access to high-quality schools, safe neighborhoods, and the support they need to succeed.
This means not only funding our schools but also supporting our teachers, counselors, and school staff. It means creating partnerships between schools, businesses, and community organizations to provide real-world learning experiences and pathways to good-paying jobs.
Preparing for the Future of Work
The threat—and promise—of artificial intelligence is on the horizon. We must equip our workforce with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. This requires investment in job training, apprenticeships, and continuing education. We must ensure that no one is left behind as technology transforms the workplace.
Expanding Mental Health Services
Mental health is just as important as physical health. The creation of a new Mental Health Justice Center is a critical step, but we must do more. We need to destigmatize mental health challenges, expand access to counseling and treatment, and provide support for families and caregivers.
Supporting Our Seniors
Our seniors are the backbone of our community. We must ensure they have access to quality healthcare, affordable housing, and opportunities to stay active and engaged. This means investing in senior centers, transportation services, and programs that combat isolation and loneliness.
Uplifting the Homeless
Homelessness is a complex issue, but it is not insurmountable. We must invest in affordable housing, job training, and wraparound services that address the root causes of homelessness. Every person in Shelby County deserves a safe place to call home.
The Power of Community: Your Role in Creating Change
Why Your Voice Matters
Change does not happen in a vacuum. It requires the collective effort of every resident, business owner, faith leader, and concerned citizen. Your voice matters. Your participation matters. When we come together as a community, we are unstoppable.
How to Get Involved
I urge you to join me in this fight for a better Shelby County. Here’s how you can make a difference:
The Urgency of Now: Why We Can’t Wait
The Cost of Inaction
If we fail to act, the consequences will be dire. Our children will continue to fall behind, violence will persist, and the cycle of poverty will continue. We cannot afford to be reactive; we must be proactive. The time for half-measures and empty promises is over.
The Power of Hope
But there is hope. We have seen what is possible when we come together. The new high school in Frayser, the plans for a new hospital, and the expansion of mental health services are proof that change is possible. But we must keep pushing forward.
A Vision for the Future
Imagine a Shelby County where every child can read and write at grade level, where every neighborhood is safe, and where every resident has access to quality healthcare and economic opportunity. Imagine a community where we lift each other up and leave no one behind. This is not a dream—it is a vision we can achieve together.
Answering the Call
This is your moment. This is our moment. The challenges we face are great, but so is our resolve. Together, we can transform Shelby County into a place that is safer, healthier, and more prosperous for all.
I am County Commissioner Charlie Caswell, Jr., and I am calling on you to join me in this fight. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s invest in our people. Let’s build a brighter future for Shelby County—together.
The time is now. Not later. Let’s answer the call.
Call to Action
Attend the County Commission Meetings:
Contact Your Elected Officials
For the People,
Charlie Caswell Jr.
Shelby County Commissioner
Let’s make our voices heard! ????❤️
Share this article, get involved, and let’s make change happen—together.
