Focusing on crime won’t solve the problem, it is simply putting Band-Aids on bullet holes. Crime is just a symptom of much deeper, systemic issues that create inequitable outcomes and a lack of hope.

Amazingly, my physician not only doesn’t condemn the list or even remain neutral. We actually fondly discuss several things on the list in the examining room — the place where the net result of the list is most evident.

Wes Smith was murdered in an act of random cruelty. He’ll be buried in Memphis Saturday. The family’s response is to celebrate the remarkable life their son led — and to shower his friends and community with love. 

“Memphis is at a critical juncture. We cannot afford to continue the stagnation. We cannot continue allowing crime, poverty and low educational achievement to define this city.”

The scene at the center of Tom Lee Park this first week has felt like different types of Memphians — different ages and races, but even more so people from different neighborhoods and economic status — sharing free, open space, in a way that’s too rare. 

“Each murder victim leaves behind seven to 10 family members, not to mention friends and other loved ones, all of whom become co-victims.”

“How do we describe our emotional response to the constant barrage that shapes so many days in Memphis? Weariness, that feeling that asks how we can keep enduring more of the same brokenness?”

“How do I write openly about the God I worship even as I do not understand why he is allowing such painful things to take place in our city?”

Fair or not, the next few weeks are critical to Mayor Jim Strickland’s legacy and will leave an ugly mark or deliver a bright promise.

“As we mark the 10th anniversary of the monumental merger between Memphis City Schools and Shelby County Schools – regarded as one of the largest mergers in public school history – it’s essential to pause and assess the effects of the Transition Planning Commission’s recommendations and subsequent policies.”

“Let’s all step up and take action. Let’s become resolute in our commitment to address and solve blight issues, to work collaboratively towards solutions.”

Jimmy Buffett provided the Bailey Family with a lifetime of escape, advice and entertainment on long trips to Florida as generations of the family grew up as Parrotheads.

“We should ask who is willing to stand-up to TVA’s neglect, disrespect and disregard for our health and our community economic welfare. And who is interested in trying to save our citizens half a billion dollars a year in power costs.”

“We must collectively view Black men’s humanity and lived experiences beyond statistics, something that will require a change of heart beyond any medical intervention.”

“Not all Mississippians have gotten it right throughout history, and that’s easy to see. But what we can learn from the natives who speak rightly is how to convey difficult ideas with gentleness.”

Nearly every good thing in Memphis has had to overcome fierce opposition. See Shelby Farms and the Grizz. So it’s no surprise that change didn’t come easy for the new Tom Lee Park. But the new place looks spectacular.

“Every child in the county deserves a shot at life. To think otherwise conflicts with the values of a democratic society that says every human being has inherent dignity.”

A Midtown resident says thank you to Memphis Police Department officers.

“My mother’s murder remains unsolved. This is true for half of all homicides. The anguish from the ambiguity of this often feels impossible to live with.”

We were very proud of the baby that came out of that room, out of a whole lot of rooms and minds and hearts, a whole city’s baby.

“A question remains: Are all Tennessee public school students getting the resources they need not just to make up for the impacts of the pandemic, but to get an education that will prepare them for a successful life?”

“I urge The Daily Memphian to re-evaluate its reporting approach and ensure a diverse range of perspectives is represented.”

“To study history, then, is not to regurgitate a timeline of events, but to engage in a dynamic process of interpretation, with stakes for how we define ourselves.”

“We need leaders who will be ‘smart on crime and tough on crime.’ From the consumer, to the corporations and all the way to the entrepreneur – crime is tough on our economy. We don’t have soft criminals and we cannot have soft leaders.”

Richie Fletcher on his wife, Liza: “We would have late-night talks about Memphis. We could have been far away, without any worries in the world. I was always like, ‘We need to get out of here.’ But she didn’t want to leave.”