MEMPHIS, Tenn. —
For the first time in recent memory, a Memphis Mayor sat down with gang leaders hoping for peace in Memphis.
Mayor Paul Young said he met with high-ranking gang members seeking help towards a week-long ceasefire among the street gangs about two weeks ago.
When it comes curbing crime, Mayor Paul Young said conversations about potential solutions need to include the entire community.
"We engage the subjects of our conversation. that is not just us in a room in our great positions with our good-looking suits, nice blouses," said Mayor Young.
With the help of 901 B.L.O.C. Squad, a youth intervention group, Mayor Young was able to have the meeting that he called “raw” and “uncut.”
In order for a ceasefire to happen, Mayor Young said gang leaders had several requests of their own. He said they first need promises that other gangs would also put their guns down. He said they also asked the mayor's team for more neighborhood investments and job options for young people.
"They said, ‘We don't have programs at our community centers. We don't have things to do. So, we go out, we steal cars, and we ride around with our friends,’" said Mayor Young.
Mayor Young said gang leaders also encouraged him to get out in the city's underserved communities, saying a boots-on-the-ground approach is the best way to create positive change.
"[They said,] ‘If you come to our hood, if you come over there and ask them to put the guns down, they will do it because they've never seen anyone like you in our community,’” said Mayor Young.