MEMPHIS, Tenn. — The results from Tuesday’s Shelby County primary are still being analyzed and dissected. The winners and losers are taking to social media to thank voters for their support.
And while many worthy candidates were victorious, two county commission hopefuls in particular stand out for their tireless community involvement. They are Charlie Caswell and Britney Thornton, both of whom won convincing victories in Districts 6 and 10 respectively.
Caswell, a local pastor, had the widest margin of victim of any candidate vying for an open seat. He collected 68% of the vote in his two-person race. Caswell describes himself as a community activist, but community leader is more appropriate. A product of Memphis housing projects in tough neighborhoods, Caswell has done phenomenal work bringing attention that to young people who face trauma in their lives – known as adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs. During the administration of Governor Bill Haslam, Caswell was invited to be the keynote speaker at one of Haslam’s childhood advocacy events.
Thornton, who has an Ivy League education, has been doing equally impressive work in Orange Mound and several South Memphis neighborhoods. She was a lead organizer of JUICE Orange Mound – an organization that advocates for the homeless in that historic community.
Now, Caswell and Thornton will bring those experiences to county government – where they will help make policies that positively impact underserved neighborhoods. Congratulations to them both.