On Saturday, Sept. 19, the Memphis Shelby County Crime Commission served as a host of a community town hall at First Baptist Church Broad. The purpose was to acknowledge the progress in reducing gun violence, but to also make clear there is still a long way to go.
Sandra Chapman dropped out of high school, but she never lacked an education.
Four years ago, Memphis Allies began its outreach efforts in Frayser. Bryan Mathis and his brother Brandon — twins born four minutes apart — were on the frontlines, finding the people at the highest risk for gun violence.
He was 16, sitting in Shelby County’s Juvenile Detention Center, when “Kevin” first heard about Memphis Allies.“From my homeboys,” he said.
Social media. Young people. Positive content. Sadly, those three things don’t always go together.
Terrell Monger, pastor of One Accord International and who sometimes leads devotions with Memphis Allies staff, wanted to do something about that.
Memphis Allies participants enter programming with real problems in need of practical solutions. Many times, a case manager is the person who leads the way in solving those problems.
Each year, the Carnival Memphis Children’s Charity Initiative selects different agencies to receive funds raised by Carnival and its Grand Krewes philanthropic organization at events held throughout the year.
Going through Memphis Allies’ SWITCH program model takes more than one path. That is, no two participants experience the same exact journey.
Breakthrough Conference 2026: Reducing gun violence takes everyone Law enforcement and gun violence intervention programs naturally have different perspectives. But Memphis Allies and the Memphis Police Department, while respecting the clear boundaries each must observe, have formed a solid working relationship.
Firefighter, paramedic, emergency room doctor… dedicated professionals who put others first and often perform heroics.