Mayor AC Wharton met with college student organization leaders to discuss their roles in the city of Memphis and its government on Thursday at City Hall. The mayor said he wanted to solidify reasons for students to stay in Memphis after graduating.
"You can impact what we do here," he said. "This is your city today."
The mayor spoke to the city council chamber of about 40 students from different colleges in the area, including University of Memphis, its sister school Christian Brothers University, Lemoyne-Owen College and Rhodes College. He wanted students to know that, even as individuals, they have a voice, and they have to speak up and say what they want in their city.
"We want to develop a city culture where we value you, right now," Wharton said.
Even those who don't consider themselves residents of Memphis, Wharton said even those who utilize city services and even eat at McDonald's can consider Memphis his or her city. He also emphasized the importance of "building people along with factories" and increasing human capital in Memphis.
"I always hear people say 'young people are the leaders of tomorrow,'" Wharton said. "If you open your mouth, you're the leader of today."
The meeting was described as "a conversation with the mayor," but only two questions were asked by students during the session.
One of the initiatives, Choose901, was featured as a way to spread the word about places and events around the city. The website helps promote the city even to those who don't live in Memphis in order to attract more tourists and potential residents.
Ricky Kirby, president of the Student Government Association at the U of M, said the meeting was a great way for student organizations to work together across different campuses to achieve common goals.
"All of the colleges of Memphis together - we don't really do anything collaboratively," Kirby said. "We each do a lot of things that are good for the community. If we all came together, as a variety of people from different backgrounds, we could do some real good for the city."
By student organizations getting involved together, each would be able to work on problems that apply to their campus, but the ability to work a citywide team would open the door for more issues to be addressed.
"For instance, if Rhodes (College) wants some more bike lanes, then I could help them do that," Kirby said. "And maybe (Mayor) Wharton will help me get more crosswalks."
At the meeting, Wharton asked for students to get involved by emailing or calling the mayor's office to give their opinion about the city.
"Tell us what you want us to do," Wharton said.
