MEMPHIS, TN — Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris convened a virtual community meeting Tuesday afternoon to address growing concerns about the mental health impact of increased military and law enforcement presence on Memphis youth. The meeting, held via Zoom, brought together mental health professionals, youth advocates, and students to discuss the effects of the National Guard’s involvement in the Memphis SAFE Task Force and how it’s influencing young people’s sense of safety and well-being.
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What Happened
The discussion featured insights from Dr. Karen Streeter, a licensed school psychologist; Sarah Babb, Deputy Director of the Refugee Empowerment Program; youth advocate Issac James; and Maddie Thomas, a high school student and member of the Shelby County Youth Council.
Thomas shared a powerful perspective on how young people, particularly in low-income Black communities, are experiencing increased fear and anxiety due to the visible military and police presence.
“For many youth, particularly in low-income Black communities, the increased law enforcement and National Guard presence represents an increase in fear and anxiety,” Thomas said. “Social media is showing us videos of police brutality and armored vehicles on our streets, creating anxiety that should not be felt by children who are already facing many conflicts.”
Youth Concerns and Mental Health Impacts
Panelists agreed that the heightened military and police visibility is having a negative psychological impact on Memphis youth. The ongoing deployment of the SAFE Task Force—which includes National Guard personnel—has made even routine activities such as walking home from school or gathering with friends feel unsafe for many children.
“Children shouldn’t have to worry about cruelty or mistreatment just because they live in their neighborhood,” Thomas added.
Advocates also emphasized the growing tension within Hispanic and Latino communities, where the perceived connection between law enforcement and immigration authorities like ICE is amplifying fear among families and students.
Actions Taken and Community Support
Mayor Harris acknowledged the emotional toll on youth and announced plans to meet with ICE officials to discuss the creation of “protected zones” in schools, ensuring that educational spaces remain safe and free from enforcement activity.
“Many people have called for protected areas to prevent things like family separation and ensure a safe environment for children,” Harris said.
Dr. Streeter outlined the short- and long-term effects of trauma linked to such stressful environments:
- Short-term: increased anxiety, behavioral changes, fear of attending school, and trouble concentrating.
- Long-term: potential academic decline and emotional detachment from community and authority figures.
She urged parents and educators to maintain open lines of communication with children, noting that exposure to violence—even secondhand through social media—can trigger trauma responses.
Moving Forward: Community Healing and Resilience
The meeting concluded with a call to action for teachers, counselors, and community leaders to provide consistent emotional support for youth and to advocate for policy reforms that prioritize mental health in affected neighborhoods.
Mayor Harris reaffirmed his commitment to continued dialogue and action, emphasizing the county’s responsibility to safeguard the mental and emotional well-being of young people growing up amid heightened security and social tension.
Closing Line
As Memphis continues to navigate the balance between public safety and community trust, leaders are calling for compassion, awareness, and collaboration. Supporting the mental health of youth remains central to building a stronger and more resilient Shelby County.