Written by: JR Robinson

This week, Memphis has something to celebrate-our children are making headlines for all the right reasons. If you missed the latest, here’s what’s happening and how you can get involved.

Spotlight on Achievement: Essay Contest Winners Surprise

Five outstanding students have each won $300 in cash as part of the Citywide Essay Contest, a competition designed to uplift youth voices and reward academic excellence. But there’s a twist: winners will be surprised at their schools with a pop-up celebration. The excitement is building-students, stay alert! You never know who might show up with your prize.

Why This Matters: Protecting Our Children’s Future

The contest is more than just a reward. It’s part of a larger mission to address serious issues affecting our youth, especially the dangers of fentanyl and vaping. In many urban communities, fentanyl has become a silent killer, claiming lives and leaving families devastated. Even more concerning, some local gas stations have been caught selling vapes to minors, putting students at risk of suspension and long-term harm.

Community Leaders Taking Action

Heal the Hood Foundation of Memphis has teamed up with Shelby County Commissioners Erika Sugarmon, Charlie Caswell, Britney Thornton, Mickell Lowery, Miska Clay Bibbs, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, News Anchor Alex Coleman, Stan Bell, Mayor Paul Young, Councilwoman Pearl Walker, and comic book creative icon Martheus Wade to tackle these issues head-on.

Together, they’ve launched “The Wake Up Tour: Tour of Hope,” reaching nearly 13,000 children across the city-and the work isn’t done yet. With four to five more school visits before summer break, the message is clear: Memphis is coming together to #resetmemphis and protect its future.

How You Can Engage and Make a Difference

• Follow and Share: Stay tuned to Heal the Hood Foundation’s updates on social media. Share their posts and use hashtags like #drugsarethevillainsofyourtomorrow, #dontkillmyfuture, and #HealTheHood to spread awareness.
• Get Involved: Whether you’re a parent, educator, business owner, or concerned citizen, your support matters. Volunteer, attend events, or simply encourage the young people in your life to make positive choices.
• Highlight Success: Celebrate the achievements of our youth by sharing their stories and recognizing their efforts in your own networks.
• Partner for Change: Organizations, schools, and community groups are invited to join the movement. Collaboration is the key to creating lasting impact.

Stay Connected-Be Part of the Solution

The work doesn’t end here. Heal the Hood Foundation is calling on everyone in Memphis to get involved and make a positive difference for our children. Winners will be announced soon-keep an eye out for updates and surprise celebrations at local schools.

Let’s work together to ensure every child in Memphis has the chance to thrive. For more information or to find out how you can help, visit hthmemphis.org.

Together, we can #resetmemphis and build a safer, brighter future for all.