MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Protesters demanded more jobs and opportunities for African-American people.
“Poverty itself is an illness, man. It’s a scarcity that’s infected this city and these two agencies, in particular, have perpetuated that,” Al Lewis said.
Group leaders said the Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce and a coalition of the city’s top CEO’s called “Memphis Tomorrow” have the power to fix economic problems they said are plaguing the black community.
“The first thing we want them to do is eliminate temp agencies. We need better jobs. We need better wages. We need a better future,” Detric Golden said.
Police officers were on standby as protesters screamed for better compensation and the creation of permanent jobs across the city.
Chamber CEO Phil Trenary came out of his office and into the crowd to hear concerns.
“I think it’s safe to say that every single person downstairs does not believe enough is being done. I think it’s also safe to say that there is not an understanding of what’s already being done,” Trenary said.
According to the Chamber, one of the biggest goals this year is breaking the cycle of poverty.
The organization plans to cut the black community’s unemployment rate, increase the number of minority and women-owned businesses and implement a diversity plan.
“That’s not to say that you can eliminate racism overnight. There is always going to be a segment you just can’t help. But what we can do is address the economic piece,” Trenary said.
“The proof is what works and what hasn’t. This isn’t working,” Lewis said. “This is criminal what they’ve allowed to happen on their watch. It’s criminal. And we’ll plan to be here more, and more, and more.”
The Chamber agreed to meet with the group next Monday at 11 a.m.
Memphis Tomorrow issued the following statement:
We agree 100% with the protesters that more needs to be done to close the economic gap in our community. We’re supporting dozens of community-based partner organizations and agencies that are working hard to make that happen–and we continually look for and are open to creative, new solutions.
