Symbolic confirmation of trust and good will toward new Memphis mayor. photo by Don Mooney
by Don Mooney 1-1-2024
Memphis, TENN—For the 65th time in the long history of the incorporated city of Memphis’ newly elected Mayor Paul Young was clear in his message to his supporters, and haters, this is a big moment! After taking the oath inside the Cannon Center For Performing Arts, Mayor Young wasted no time getting to the point in his inaugural address. Capturing the optimism in the air, after a year of tireless campaigning, can be summed up by Memphis’ head official when he said, “This is a big moment!”
Judge Kenya Hooks administers oath to newly elected Memphis council members. photo by Don Mooney
Addressing the newly seated city council Young spoke directly and firm about the opportunity to working closely with each. “Collectively we’re on a mission to save our city…right now.” Many residents of the city know that crime in Memphis leaves many with an uneasiness when it comes to safety. The effects of crime in Memphis doesn’t just affect personal safety. Crime in Memphis is having a slow grinding affect on the business community limiting future economic opportunities for growth.
Council chairman JB Smiley addresses audience prior to introducing the new Memphis Mayor. photo by Don Mooney
In his delivery Young pointed to accomplishing this mission going forward we have to move beyond the past and political partisanship. Says Young, “the past doesn’t matter. The future is all we’re thinking about, right now! The future of our young babies is all we’re thinking ’bout. right now!”
Overton High School Choir opens program under the direction of Dena Vaughan. photo by Don Mooney
Young places the future of Memphis during these next four years squarely on the newly-elected leadership of his office and the city council. The make up, for the first time in Memphis’ political history is predominantly female. Young vows, through this leadership, a bright future for Memphis. “They’re looking to us to show for leadership and that’s what you’re going to see,” says Young.
Home-grown songstress Effie Johnson (l) and saxophonist Kirk Whalum deliver musical selection. photo by Don Mooney
Young commits his staff and administration to achieving the salvation the city of Memphis needs in order for lofty goals such as becoming one of the safest and cleanest city in America. “We’re committed to a brighter city for our future in this city, states Young. And it will happen!”
“We’re on a mission to save our city.” Mayor Paul Young photo by Don Mooney
The next chapter of Memphis is starting off promising. All the political pieces seem to be in place. Fresh faces throughout. A spirit of cooperation and eagerness to serve. In his speech Young scans the bright political landscape on his left and encourages his colleagues to walk with him into Memphis’ future. “What are we going to do in this moment? We can go either one or two ways. We’re wither going to rise-or we’re gonna fall, deems Young.”
Tennessee Mass Choir closes out inauguration with musical selection “Oh Happy Day”. photo by Don Mooney
Young understands its not time to sit back and wait. Crime is on the minds of all in Memphians at morning breakfast tables. “Memphis can’t afford to sit back and wait, confirms Young, to see if someone else is going to do it. What are we going to do in this moment?”
In order for the aligned goals for the newly-seated administration to be successful hinges greatly on the first 100-days of Youngs administration. Young promises to meet with makers and shakers as well as those whom have felt ignored. Meeting with community groups from each councils district to gain internal insights to the perspectives of all concerned constituents in Memphis.
Students from Stax Academy perform in lobby of Cannon Center after Mayoral installation. photo by Don Mooney
“I think about my two kids Paxxon and Zoie and I imagine a Memphis they will share with their kids, expresses Young. This is real for me. I can’t let you down, because I don’t want to let them down.” As Memphis prepares to write a next chapter in its history the first pages start turning today. No one thinks this is going to be easy. According to Young, “Together we can make Americas largest majority-minority city… let me make it more clearly, we can make Americas largest Black city, per capita, we can make that Americas safest city! We can make that Americas cleanest city! We can make that Americas city with the fastest growing economy-right here in Memphis, Tn.”
Paul Young along with 12 of the 13 city council members took the oath of office at the Cannon Center to begin new four-year terms at City Hall. “We’re on a mission to save our city,” states mayor Young during his first public appearance a mayor of Memphis. photos by Don Mooney
Mayor Young seeks to connect Memphis back to the city whose music innovations sparked a nation, who taught the nation overnight delivery and brought self-service to cars, whose medical research and breakthroughs are freely given to the world is capable of achieving all it desires collectively. “This is not a me thang. This is not a Paul Young thang. This is a we thang.”