MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a city rich with history and cultural significance, Memphis is now facing a profound challenge.
For Memphians, the weight of uncertainty looms as the Department of Justice's (DOJ) investigation report alleges troubling, discriminatory, and unlawful practices by the city and the Memphis Police Department (MPD).
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) has long advocated for social justice, led by prominent civil rights leaders.
For many, life can be derailed in an instant. For Memphians, it’s hard to understand how a city steeped in history and culture can find itself in such a position.
"It's going to be difficult to read. Some of the incidents described are simply not acceptable," said Mayor Paul Young.
Memphis is now grappling with the consequences of a DOJ investigation that has labeled its practices as discriminatory and unlawful and alleges that police have used excessive force.
For Pastor Walter Womack, the President of the Memphis SCLC, whose life revolves around justice, these findings are all too familiar.
He states, "These findings let us know that we have a long way to go, and this is nothing new to me or to the city of Memphis."
Womack leads the Memphis chapter of the SCLC, an organization integral to the civil rights movement, and he believes Memphis needs to pursue a new path.
"I suggest to the mayor that we look at this on a long-term basis because these changes and training techniques that the DOJ has implemented have worked in other cities," he said.
Terrence Hill, a lifelong Memphian, shares his perspective while enjoying a meal at Steins Restaurant, where Womack often holds meetings.
"Crime has been here for a while, and you know, it’s really hard—I don’t know how to fix it," he said.
Hill emphasizes the importance of training, saying, "What we were talking about was how training can help police make the right decisions because, in any situation, that’s what you want to do—to make the correct decision."
For Womack, paving a new path for Memphis demands a change in direction.
"It’s been documented. Some of the things that occurred by our police officers in this city, and it's disturbing" he said.
Womack looks forward to collaborating with the city on some of these initiatives.
It is important to note that even though the city says a consent decree is off the table for now, it still emphasizes cooperation with the DOJ.