Madeline Estes

This week Memphis United had the opportunity to conduct Know Your Rights Theatre workshops with Girls Inc as well as Start Camp for entrepreneurship at Southwest Community College. We believe that youth are the solution not the problem. Thank you for the opportunity to meet these amazing, young change makers. If you are interested in us hosting a workshop for your organization you can email Faith Pollan at faith@midsouthpeace.org. 

We are also preparing to host a Juvenile Justice Youth Summit the first weekend of September. If you are interested in volunteering for this event, getting involved with the Juvenile Justice Project as a whole, or if you know a young person who might want to present at the summit you can also contact Faith Pollan at the aforementioned email address. You can also sign up as a community service partner at bit.ly/2kfB7Qr

The Juvenile Justice Project is also excited to welcome back intern Montez Reed. Montez is a Rhodes student who interned with us since last spring. He has been a huge asset to us and we are thrilled that he has decided to return to intern with JJP at the Mid-South Peace & Justice Center.

Join PERL, Thursday, July 27th for our monthly General Interest meeting! The general interest meetings are open to everyone interested in organizing (and strategizing) around improving the enforcement of rape laws in Memphis, -while also making the process more accessible, transparent, and all around easier for the victims of sexual assault. PERL welcomes (and loves) new opinions, insight, or perspectives on the issues with the current process and accessibility. For more information please check our website: http://enforcerapelaws.org/

PERL would also like to announce a Public Relations Training in which we are partnering with the University of Memphis:
Think that only big corporations need public relations? Think again! In this hands-on workshop, you will learn the basic concepts of public relations, how public relations can help activist causes, and the nuts and bolts of press release and op-ed writing. Each participant will leave with public relations knowledge and materials to take their activist messages to the next level.

Presented by University of Memphis professors Stephanie Madden, Ph.D. and Melissa Janoske, Ph D. 

There is a suggested donation of $10 per person, but no one will be turned away for inability to pay. Lunch is included.
Please RSVP on the Facebook event page or email info@enforcerapelaws.org

YOU’RE INVITED! MBRU’s hosting a block party to celebrate the return of bus service on the North side of the former 31 Crosstown. On August 5th, we’ll be at the New Chicago CDC (1036 Firestone Ave) from 12 to 3 PM! Join us for food, music, and community as we celebrate new bus service from CHS to Manassas, improving our access to grocery stores, health care, jobs, family and education! Facebook event here: https://www.facebook.com/events/115293805761520/

We also got some more coverage of our victory in the Memphis Daily News! “We’re pleased that MATA has decided to restore part of the route,” said Justin Davis, secretary of the Memphis Bus Riders Union and organizing coordinator for the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center. “For us, it is very significant – not just for the bus riders in the city in general but also for the New Chicago neighborhood, considering that they have not had bus service that actually went into the neighborhood for several years now.” View the full article here:https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2017/jul/8/mata-eyes-greener-future-prepares-for-upcoming-service-changes/

MBRU has a general meeting coming up this Saturday, July 8, from 12-2 PM at the Cossitt Library, 33 S. Front Street! We’ll be updating our members on our recent progress with the 31 campaign and discussing our plans for the summer. You can access the Cossitt Library on the #4, 12, 13, or 39 bus.

Organizing Coordinator Justin Davis also spoke to the Memphis Flyer last week about the partial restoration of the 31 Crosstown! “It’s not only a big victory for residents of New Chicago, but for bus riders and supporters throughout Memphis who have been fighting for this important route since last year,” Davis said. “At the same time, we will continue to push for a fully-funded 31 that has greater frequency, covers more of the service day, and serves South Memphis, especially Riverside.” 

Click here for the full article: https://www.memphisflyer.com/NewsBlog/archives/2017/06/28/mata-board-approves-new-version-of-31-crosstown-route

It is that time of year again where we celebrate our country’s freedom -the 4th of July. However, some are not free and they don’ t have someone to celebrate with. For this reason, H.O.P.E. will be having a 4th of July barbeque for the homeless and the community. We are in need of supplies, like hot dogs, bottle water, accessories, napkins,plates, etc.

If you would like to donate supplies, monetary contributions, or volunteer to help out that day, please contact Tamara Hendrix by email at tamara@midsouthpeace.org or by cell phone (901) 254-5964. If you would like to help in planning, we will discuss the picnic at the H.O.P.E. meeting today at 2:30. Also you may drop your donations off at the MSPJC at 3573 southern 9:00-5:00, please call first 901-725-4990.

Please help us make this Independence Day special for someone who is less fortunate.

Yesterday, the MATA Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to partially restore the 31 Crosstown as the 31 Firestone! This is a victory for riders, especially the New Chicago community–who will see bus service within their neighborhood for the first time in three years. When you get together and work for something, you will see results. We will continue to push for the full restoration of our 31!

Co-chair Cynthia Bailey and Organizing Coordinator Justin Davis also spoke to a group of high school students at GRAD Academy Memphis about who we are and our work as a Bus Riders Union. GRAD Academy is currently hosting a Summer Institute: a free college experience with professors focused on social justice, self-empowerment, and literacy. Special thanks to the teachers and young people for welcoming us!

Finally, MBRU has a general meeting coming up on July 8, from 12-2 PM at the Cossitt Library, 33 S. Front Street! You can also get there on the #4, 12, 13, or 39 bus.

The Mid-South Peace & Justice Center is now starting donation-based screen printing training experiences that are open to the public and fun for individuals or small groups looking to learn a new skill or hobby while also giving back! These donation-based trainings will provide the needed funds to host *free* screen printing trainings for people experiencing of homelessness. Please contact us today to setup your private or group training with Streetwise Ink streetwise@midsouthpeace.org