MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The City of Memphis launched the "Own Your Block" clean-up initiative to encourage neighborhood pride and community involvement in revitalizing local areas.
This initiative invited local faith communities and volunteers to participate in different clean-up activities. Participants worked throughout the city on Saturday, Oct. 19, to pick up litter, pull weeds, mow overgrown lots, and address neglect in neighborhoods.
Mayor Paul Young expressed pride in the collective efforts of the volunteers and city staff. "We are super proud of the faith community and our volunteers who got up early on a Saturday to reclaim the neighborhoods they love," he stated. The Mayor visited several neighborhoods, including Oakhaven, Hickory Hill, and South Memphis, noting the significance of community improvement. "Memphis is home to the best people on the planet—I believe it is only right that our streets and neighborhoods reflect that," he added.
In addition to individual neighborhood clean-ups, the City sponsored five mega-site clean-ups in Raleigh, Hickory Hill, Frayser, South Memphis, and Oakhaven. Residents are encouraged to take the initiative to organize their own clean-up efforts to help create a safer, stronger, and more peaceful community.
The "Own Your Block" initiative is part of a larger effort by the City of Memphis known as the Peace Project. This two-year plan focuses on improving the quality of life for residents through neighborhood beautification and community engagement. During its first year, the project emphasizes restoring visual peace and encourages faith leaders to guide these initiatives in their communities.
The collaborative effort aims not only to beautify neighborhoods but also to instill pride in residents, ultimately fostering a more unified and engaged community.