Thank You, Memphis

On Nov. 6, 1982, you welcomed me into the world with open arms. You made the first moments of my life a pleasant and smooth transition. You didn’t care about what I looked like or my tax bracket. All you knew was that I was apart of you and that I was going to need your help.

Thank you.

From there you set me up with many programs. Starting with a place to stay. I learned a lot growing up in the Lamar Terrace projects like how to be tough and to look out for my fellow neighbor. The assistance you provided in healthcare was very helpful as a kid growing up with epilepsy. I really enjoyed that after school program at The Salvation Army. I made alot of friends and that is when I slowly started to come out of my shell. As a kid that was probably on the spectrum, that place helped me tremendously.

Thank you.

You also educated me with some of the best teachers that you had to offer. I admit that your resources were limited but you did the best you could. I am grateful for that. You also fed me while I was at school. I knew I could depend on you for at least two meals a day that not only maximized my learning but gave my mom peace of mind that I was not going hungry at school. Times were often tough so knowing that my little sister and I could depend on you for that meant everything. From Bruce Elementary to Westwood High School, you always had my back.

Thank you.

You provided me with a lot of fun moments as well. I still remember the grand opening of The Children’s Museum of Memphis. It was full of wonder and excitement. I can still hear the sounds of the arcade and feel of the wind on my face of my favorite ride, the Tennessee Tilt, at Libertyland. Even now when I eat a pronto pup, I travel back in time to become that scrawny little black kid from South Memphis. Tiger basketball was excellent as I watched my childhood hero Penny Hardaway show the world that basketball here is not a sport but a way of life. I still hate the Bearcats to this day! Let me not forget Saturday morning wrestling with Jerry Lawler and being terrified of the Moon Dogs at the WMC Channel 5 studio. We really had some good times.

Thank you.

However, as I got older, I started to hear the detractors even more. “ Leave here.” “There’s no opportunity…