Turning the mic around: doing the right thing—the memphis way

posted by the Mr. Keith’s Team

They Talked About Memphis — Now Let’s Talk to Ourselves

Recently, Memphis found itself in the middle of a national conversation — not because of our music, our food, or even our Grizzlies. This time, it was about something more complex. During an episode of ESPN’s First Take, commentator Stephen A. Smith shared his concerns about NBA players feeling hesitant to come to Memphis. He cited conversations with officials and urged the city to “clean some of that stuff up.”

Naturally, his comments hit a nerve with many Memphians. Social media lit up. People defended the city they love, pushing back on the narrative being built by someone who doesn’t live here.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant responded quickly and directly. He stood up for Memphis and made it clear that his love for this city runs deep. Others joined him, voicing their frustrations and reminding the world that Memphis is more than what outsiders might think.

And they’re right to feel that way. Memphis is more than a soundbite or a headline. It’s personal. It’s layered. And it’s ours.

This Is Bigger Than a Comment — It’s a Conversation

What Stephen A. said touched a nerve because it echoed a story that’s too often told about Memphis rather than by Memphis. And while it’s easy to feel defensive, this is also a moment to step back and ask ourselves — what can we learn from this? How can we use this moment, not to prove a point to outsiders, but to recommit to each other?

This is not about whether we agree with his opinion. It’s about what we do now that the conversation is happening.

We have an opportunity to take this moment and shift the focus inward. We can use it to highlight the people, the efforts, and the values that define Memphis in ways that no national show ever could. This is our chance to remind ourselves that we already have the power to move our city forward — not out of shame or pressure, but out of pride.

Memphis: You Are Already Doing the Right Thing

In every corner of this city, people are showing up for Memphis in real and meaningful ways.

We see it in the classrooms, where teachers work tirelessly to support and uplift students — often going above and beyond with limited resources. We see it in local businesses that pour back into their neighborhoods, not for recognition, but because they care. We see it in young people starting community organizations, podcasts, and movements that inspire hope and drive change.

These acts may not always be public, but they are powerful. They remind us that doing the right thing doesn’t require attention. It requires commitment — and Memphis has plenty of that.

This city is already filled with people who are choosing to build something better. Every day, in big ways and small, we are making progress, showing love, and holding each other up.

Memphis, the World Is Watching — Let’s Show Them Who We Really Are

Now that the spotlight is on us, we have the chance to guide the conversation — not by proving ourselves to critics, but by staying focused on what matters most: each other.

We don’t need to shout back. We need to continue showing up, building trust, and strengthening our communities from the inside out. That’s where real transformation lives — not in the headlines, but in the neighborhoods, in the classrooms, in the hearts of the people who care deeply about this city.

Memphis doesn’t need fixing by outsiders. What we need — and what we already have — is the ability to lead with pride, take care of our own, and keep moving forward with purpose. We’re not perfect, but we are powerful. And our story is far from over.

Let’s call each other in — not out. Let’s talk to our young people, support our elders, celebrate our culture, and protect what’s sacred to us. Because no one else can do that for us. And honestly? We wouldn’t want them to

Keep doing the right thing — not because the world is watching, but because Memphis deserves nothing less.

Have something to say about this moment? Share your thoughts, stories, or words of encouragement with us. Let’s keep this conversation rooted in pride, in progress, and in love for the city we call home.

#DoTheRightThing901 | #WeAreMemphis | #OurCityOurStory