Written By JR Robinson

In a world of polished soundbites and "go along to get along" politics, there is something profoundly refreshing about a leader who refuses to lower her voice. That leader is Henri E. Brooks.

As we look toward the future of Shelby County, specifically the critical mission of rebuilding Regional One Health, it becomes clear that we don’t just need a negotiator; we need a champion. We need someone who understands that progress isn’t given—it’s demanded. At JustMy, we believe in the power of local stories and the people who shape them. Today, I want to talk about a woman whose story is woven into the very fabric of Memphis justice.

A Legacy of "Good Trouble"

Henri E. Brooks isn't new to the fight. Long before she returned to the Shelby County Commission to represent District 7, she was a trailblazer in the Tennessee State Legislature. For 14 years, she didn't just sit in a chair; she shook the room.

She was the architect of the nation’s first state-level legislation enforcing Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, ensuring that tax dollars weren't being used to fund discrimination. She stood up for the children of this county when she initiated the Department of Justice investigation into the Juvenile Court system—a move that exposed systemic bias and forced a path toward constitutional equity.

The Battle for Regional One

Currently, Henri is laser-focused on what may be the most important infrastructure and healthcare project of our generation: the new Regional One Hospital.

For Henri, this isn't just about a new building. It’s about equity. She recently spearheaded the Black Caucus Regional One Health Black Economic Inclusion Task Force to ensure that the billions of dollars flowing into this project actually reach the hands of Black contractors and workers in our community. She knows that "access" to healthcare is hollow if the community isn't also gaining "access" to the economic opportunities that build such a massive institution.

She is fighting to ensure this hospital isn't just in the neighborhood, but of the neighborhood.

Why the "Old Way" is the Right Way

Some critics point to Henri’s direct, uncompromising style as "the old way" of doing things. To that, I say: Good.

The "old way" means you don't back down when the status quo tries to wait you out. The "old way" means you speak truth to power, even when your voice shakes—or even when it makes the room uncomfortable. We live in a time where people are often too polite to be effective. Henri E. Brooks is never too polite to be effective.

Her "old school" grit is exactly what we need to ensure that the new Regional One isn't just a shiny new facility for the few, but a beacon of world-class care and economic empowerment for the many.

A Tribute to a Trailblazer

Henri E. Brooks has spent her life being a "Tried Stone"—a foundation that has been tested by fire and remained unshakeable. Whether she’s demanding accountability for our schools or fighting for a hospital that serves the soul of Memphis, she does it with a passion that is unmatched.

As she runs for re-election, we aren't just looking at a candidate; we are looking at a living legacy. Henri, thank you for never being afraid to be exactly who District 7 needs you to be.