Memphis divided: Community development leaders react to National Guard’s impending arrival
The National Guard will arrive in Memphis on Friday to contribute to the federal task force’s efforts to eliminate violent crime.
Lauren Turman
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The National Guard is expected to arrive in Memphis on Friday, Oct. 9, marking a significant escalation in the city’s crackdown on violent crime. While some residents see the move as overdue, others fear it may deepen tensions in already vulnerable communities.
The deployment comes less than two weeks after the launch of the Memphis Safe Task Force, which state officials say has resulted in more than 560 arrests and the recovery of 144 illegal firearms, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi. The operation is part of a broader effort to combat crime hotspots across the city.
In South Memphis, some community members have expressed indifference to the increased law enforcement presence.
“Most people just feel, I guess, unbothered,” said Eureka Pickett, executive director of The Stone Community Development Corporation (CDC). “They’re going on with their normal day-to-day activity. They feel that there’s nothing wrong if they are not in any wrong.”
But in other neighborhoods, particularly in North Memphis, the reaction has been starkly different.
“I talked to 43 children just two or three days ago,” said Dr. Carnita Atwater, executive director of the New Chicago CDC. “They were between the ages of six to 13, and they are traumatized because they hear the helicopters. They actually think someone is going to kick their door down and separate them from their families.”
As more National Guard units prepare to enter the city, local leaders are urging residents to stay informed and calm.
“We want the community to be educated on the proper things to do if they are approached,” Pickett said. “We’re hoping there won’t be any confrontations or acts of violence.”
Atwater emphasized that enforcement alone won’t solve Memphis’ deep-rooted issues.
“If you address poverty, lack of housing, affordable housing, mental health, conflict resolution, anger management, and drugs, you’re going to combat what’s going on in Memphis,” she said.
Despite the unease, Atwater said her community is ready.
“If the National Guard comes in here and sets up camp in North Memphis, we’re not afraid,” she said. “We’re prepared by any means necessary.”
To help ease tensions and open communication, the Stone CDC will host a National Night Out on Saturday, Oct. 11. Officers from the Crump Station Precinct are expected to attend and engage with community members about the task force and the National Guard’s role in the city.
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