The Department of Justice recently did an investigation. They found the Memphis Police Department engages in unconstitutional practices. They released a detailed report in December, filled with heartbreaking evidence. Sadly, many of us weren’t surprised by its findings.

I created this podcast episode to inform. In January, a new administration took office, and just last Wednesday, they announced the termination of this investigation—along with many others, including the one in Minneapolis, where George Floyd was murdered. This is devastating news, but it doesn’t erase the countless injustices that Americans have endured over the years.

Despite this, I believe in us. I believe that through connection, communication, and community, we can push for change. Will it be easy? Absolutely not. Will it happen overnight? Hell no.

With all that being said, I encourage you to play your part, whatever that may look like for you—whether it’s showing up to community events, listening to and sharing stories like the ones mentioned in this episode, protesting, or even contacting politicians.

Together, we can create a better future.

The sources for all my research is below.

https://www.actionnews5.com/video/2024/12/06/doj-mpd-using-unconstitutional-practices-policing/#

https://www.justice.gov/archives/opa/pr/justice-department-finds-civil-rights-violations-memphis-police-department-and-city-memphis

https://mlk50.com/2025/02/18/memphis-names-police-reform-task-force/

https://www.smartcitymemphis.com/2021/10/teenager-elton-hayes-was-killed-50-years-ago-today/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna67674

https://www.blackenterprise.com/memphis-police-chiefcerelyn-davis-was-allegedly-fired-from-previous-atlanta-police-department-over-alleged-sex-crime-prob/

https://youtu.be/FSXGNhS6KmM?si=GgjNVJGFZ_hKZziB

https://reason.com/2007/05/04/atlanta-police-nearly-killed-8/

https://www.fox13memphis.com/news/doj-scraps-investigations-into-memphis-pds-civil-rights-violations-other-u-s-police-departments/article_c7b1d0c8-6c33-47c1-b599-d8df4dda4418.html

Next episode next Wednesday