MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Fannie Lewis needed help walking there but made sure she made it to the rally.
Lewis said she’s struggling and she can’t get help from the state.
“They said I make too much money, I get too much social security,” said Lewis.
They’re angry about abandoned houses, trees that fell in a storm 10 years ago and crime.
“Dope dealers down the street, riding fast down the street with little kids,” said Arthur Houston.
“It’s about little children walking to school and not having to leave their community to go to a great school,” Sarah Carpenter said.
Carpenter said State Rep. Antonio Parkinson is worried about stopping the state-run school system and not all the other issues the area faces.
She wants to be heard.
“It’s the Raleigh part of the district, they want Raleigh schools, that’s what constituents are saying. I honor the constituency in North Memphis, there’s no fight there,” said Carpenter.
He said things are improving in the district, and he may be right when it comes to unemployment. State data shows more people are working in North Memphis than South.
Still, city councilman Berlin Boyd said you have to respect their passion and everyone deserves their lawmakers help.
“As an elected official, I’m the sounding board, it’s my responsibility to lend a listening ear to be a sounding board and help with the issues they have,” said Boyd.
The group agreed, saying he’s been a big help and they’re hoping others will too.