Sergeant at arms, if you will please call our July 7th, 2026 Council meeting to order.

All right, please.

I would like to recognize our chaplain of the day, Pastor Theodas Cochrane Jr.

of Trinity All Nations Church, invited by Councilwoman Easter Thomas.

Pastor Cochrane Jr., please lead us in prayer.

Shall we pray?

Our God and our Father, the maker and creator of all things.

We come at this opportune time, first of all, to say thank you.

Thank you for another day, another chance, another opportunity you've given to us to get it right.

I pray now that we acknowledge you for this council because you said in all the ways that we acknowledge you.

You will direct our path.

I pray for our city.

I pray for our nation.

I pray for the people of God everywhere.

Heal our land that we need to be healed in every corner, every aspect.

You're able to do exceedingly abundantly.

Above, we can even ask a thing.

We put it all in your hand.

Even the city of Memphis is in your hands, and you're able to work it out.

It's in Jesus' name I pray.

Amen.

Please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Our Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic, which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

You may be seated.

Councilwoman Easter Thomas, you are recognized.

Thank you, Chair.

Colleagues, I am glad to bring one of the pillar ministers in District 7, Pastor Theodus Cochrane, and as he celebrates his 27th pastoral anniversary as well.

Um, I'd just like to read for Trinity All Nations Church that is in the Hyde Park area of District 7.

By the city council, be it hereby known that Pastor Theodus Cochrane Jr., in recognition of a life of exemplary qualities, outstanding service to the city, meritorious involvement in humanitarian affairs, and demonstrated concern for governmental process, has been appointed chaplain of the day of the Memphis City Council and is hereby entitled to all of the honors, rights, privileges, and prerogatives appertaining to the office and to the display of this certificate given under this seal, 7th day of July, Janice Wearing Washington Chair, presented by Michael and Easter Thomas, District 7th City Council.

Thank you for coming and joining us today.

Councilman Canale, I I think you have read the minutes.

Roll call.

After our roll call.

Thank you, madam chair.

Councilmember Canale.

Cooper Sutton, Easter Thomas, Ford, Green, Logan, Smiley, Minosa, Walker, Juarren, White, Chairwoman Swearington Washington.

Present.

Madam Chair, you have a quorum.

Thank you.

Councilman Canale.

Yes, madam chair.

Thank you.

I have reviewed the meeting minutes from the June 23rd, 2026 meeting.

I find them to be in order, and I move for their adoption.

All right.

It's been moved by Councilman Poor Canale.

Second by Councilman Spinoza.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

Council members canale, yes.

Cooper Sutton, yes.

Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes.

Logan, yes, Smiley, yes.

Spinoza, yes, Warren, yes.

White, yes.

Chairwoman Swearington, Washington, yes.

That item passes.

Welcome to the July 7th, 2026 regular meeting of the Memphis City Council.

The meetings of the council shall be conducted in an orderly manner to ensure that the public has the full opportunity to be heard and the deliberate process of the council is retained at all times.

Our council staff has meeting agendas available up front.

Phoebe, if you'll please raise your hand, as well as comment request cards for members of the public wishing to be heard on a specific item.

All those wishing to speak on an item must turn in their comment card to staff before the item is heard.

If you are not here to speak on a specific item, you can note that your request to give a general comment at the end of the meeting is welcomed.

As chair, I will only recognize citizens that properly register to speak by submitting a completed comment request card to council staff.

The administration has withdrawn items number nine and item number 10.

We will now begin with our presentations.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number one.

Item number one is a resolution honoring Grammy nominated children's music artist, Schnook Nook.

This resolution is sponsored by Councilwoman Green.

Councilwoman Easter Thomas, you are recognized at this time.

Thank you, Chair.

Um, in lieu of Councilwoman Green, I am grateful to have the opportunity to present this to Miss Sherry Moon.

Um, and just shout out to our new communications person, and just seeing these on the screen is just a it's a wonderful touch.

It's a wonderful touch.

Whereas it is fitting that the city council honor and recognize individuals whose extraordinary talent, leadership, and commitment to enriching the lives of others, have brought distinction to the city of Memphis and inspired communities, both locally and around the world.

Whereas Sherry Moon, born Luana Pegram, and professionally known as Snook Nook, is a Grammy nominated singer, songwriter, recording artist, entrepreneur, actress, educator, and children's music advocate, whose extraordinary career has inspired audiences across generations.

Raised in North Memphis, now I know this right, Shim.

Okay, discovered her passion for music at an early age, performing with the Pegram family choir, winning numerous talent competitions, and earning recognition as Memphis teen of the year, laying the foundation for an accomplished career in music and entertainment.

Throughout her accomplished career, she has collaborated internationally with renowned artists and producers, including Timberland, Jimmy Douglas, Missy Elliott, Danny O'Donahu of the Script, Kevin Rudolph, with her songwriting and vocal performances, also being featured in national advertising campaigns and television productions, earning acclaim across the music industry, and on international dance and pop charts.

Promoting kindness, diversity, mindfulness, creativity, emotional well-being, and social awareness through music that enriches the lives of young audiences and families.

Her unwavering commitment to education and artistic empowerment led to the founding of the Snook Nook Cafe in Hollywood, California, a children's performing art center dedicated to fostering creativity and confidence and educational works, including Ain't I a Woman, and her contribution to Grammy Award-winning artist Fuch.

Fuch Black Women in History have introduced children to important historical figures and inspired future generations through music.

Sherry Moon in 2022 received her first Grammy Award nomination in the best children's music album category as a member of All One Tribe in recognition of her dedication to creating inclusive music that celebrates unity, diversity, and understanding, further honoring her Memphis roots by recording at the legendary Stax Recording Studios alongside the Stax Music Academy Choir and helping bridge the city's music, musical legacy that is rich and in our future.

Through her accomplishments as a Grammy nominated artist, educator, entrepreneur, and children's advocate, Sherry Moon has inspired generations of young people while exemplifying the creativity, compassion, and musical excellence that define the city of Memphis.

Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Memphis City Council airby honors and celebrates Miss Sherry Moon for her outstanding contributions to music, education, and empowerment of children and families, given by our hands at the Memphis City Council, signed by Councilwoman Jerry Green, and I myself, Michael Nister Thomas.

Can we uh give it up for Miss Sherry Moon that's here with us today?

Thank you.

Thank you so much.

Memphis, this is I am a product of Memphis.

I just want to say that I have a few words if you guys don't mind.

Okay.

I want to just say, Chairman, council members, thank you for this incredible honor.

The resolution means the world to me coming from the city that birthed me, and through it, though it does have my name on it, it really belongs to the children everywhere.

When people hear the song Doray Me, they may hear musical notes.

I hear something else.

I hear confidence, I hear children of with joy.

I hear children discovering that their voice matters.

The students at the Stax Music Academy didn't just sing on my song, they didn't sing on a recording.

They harmoniously reminded us of something important.

Every child deserves to be seen and heard and encouraged.

This room spends a lot of time debating roads and buildings and budgets and development, and yes, those things are important, but those things and the future of Memphis is not made of concrete.

It is made through the hearts of children.

A city becomes what it its children believe that they can become.

When a child stands in front of a microphone for the first time or raises their hand in a classroom, writes a song, paints a picture, or shares an idea, they are making a decision about who they think they are.

The adults around them have an opportunity to help shape that belief.

The message behind Dor Remi is simple, very simple.

Every child has value, every child has potential.

Every child should be able to express themselves freely.

They've taught me to be continue to be curious.

They've taught me to be kind.

They taught me to continue to dream bigger than any circumstance that I may be in.

So I accept this honor with gratitude, with huge gratitude from you guys.

I hope today is also a reminder that investing in children is not a charity.

It is the most important work that we can do.

Years from now, not many people will remember every meeting that was put together in this room, but what they will remember from years to come is the opportunity that you have given a child to grow that may indeed change the city.

Thank you for supporting the arts.

Please continue to support the arts.

Thank you for supporting the young people and please continue to support the young people.

Um thank you for believing in the children of Memphis, and that includes me, a child of Memphis.

Thank you guys.

Item number three is a resolution pursuant to chapter 9.6 of the Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code, approving a special use permit at the subject property located at 2465 Millbrook Avenue.

This resolution is sponsored by the Division of Planning and Development.

The case number is FUP 26-08.

Councilman Spinoza, you are recognized.

Thank you, uh Madam Chair.

This item was set down with a favorable recommendation.

And um also move.

Okay.

That item has been moved by Councilman Spinoza.

Second by Councilman Warren.

There are no council in the queue, nor do I have any cards.

Are there any questions or of council members wishing to speak on this item?

All right, madam comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen to vote for item number three.

Yes.

Cooper Sutton, yes.

Easter Thomas, yes.

Ford, yes.

Logan, yes.

Smiley, yes.

Spinoza, yes.

Warren, yes.

Swearing Washington, yes.

That item passes.

We will now move to I consent agenda.

Items four, five, six, seven, and eight.

Madam Comptroller.

If you will please call the consent agenda items.

Thank you.

Item number four is up for second reading.

Ordinance number five nine seven four is sponsored by the administration.

Item number five is up for second reading.

Ordinance number five nine seven five is sponsored by the administration.

Item number six is up for second reading.

Ordinance number five nine seven seven is sponsored by councilman Carlisle.

Item number seven is also up for second reading.

Ordinance number five nine seven eight is sponsored by Councilman Carlisle.

Item number eight from engineering is a resolution approving supplemental agreement number two for Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Front Street Improvements and Museum Perimeter Streetscape and accepting bond as security.

There is a request for same night minutes for this item.

The contract number is CR-5447.

Madam Chair, that concludes our consent agenda items.

Thank you.

Please note that we are taking off item number eight.

So we are voting on four or eight, please.

We're voting on seven.

Okay.

Okay.

Can I get a motion for the adoption of the consent agenda?

It has been moved by Councilman Ford Canale.

Second by Councilman Warren.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote on the consent agenda items four, five, six, and seven.

Yes.

Easter Thomas, yes.

Ford, yes, Logan, yes.

Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes.

Warren, yes, White, yes.

Chairwoman Swearing Washington, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number eight.

We took it off consent.

It's on the regular agenda item.

Thank you very much.

Item number eight is a resolution approving supplemental agreement number two for Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Front Street Improvements, and Museum Perimeter Streetscape and accepting bonds as security.

There's a request for same night minutes.

The contract number is 5447.

Councilman Ford Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

On page one of the supplemental agreement two for the city standard improvement contract for CR number five four four seven at the bottom where it says now therefore in consideration of the premises and mutual covenants of the parties here and contained it is agreed and understood that the original standard improvement contract, Memphis Brooks Museum of Art.

CR 5477 is hereby revised as follows.

A accepting revised plans.

Work to be completed as shown on approved engineering plans.

This needs to be amended to say work to be completed as shown on approved engineering plans or as amended by the developer and the city engineer.

If uh council will accept that amendment without objection.

I have a question.

I can't call on you.

I'm sorry.

It really hurts my feelings that you can't.

Councilman Spinoza, you're recognized.

Thank you.

And I would have put myself in the queue, but I couldn't.

So I do I do have a question on it and was excited to vote yes on this.

Still want to vote yes on this, but I want some clarity.

If the engineer is here, I want to hear I'm here in this place.

Okay.

I just wanted to make sure because I know that the university there was like a new stoplight or something that was supposed to go in, had to do with the university, and I wanted to make sure that was in the plans.

No, uh I think the issue is about Monroe Avenue.

There is a public civic plaza, and the plans need to be um perhaps amended to make it clear that it is a public civic plaza, not Monroe Plaza, and it's to be Monroe Avenue is not to be is not being closed, it is simply being expanded to be open to vehicular and pedestrian traffic.

Okay, and so that's why it says the language would be modifying the plans as may be amended by the developer and then the engineer.

Gotcha.

Understood on that.

I think Madam Chair, I was more concerned that if any of the plans had changed, and I was hoping to just hear and make sure that the it would be a cosmetic change if anything, that's all.

Yeah.

So I'm gonna assume then the some of the things that were in the original plan are going to be there.

Yes, including the stoplight and the other stuff.

Whatever's in there is only the cosmetic plans about the plasma.

Okay, so that's the only change that's being made.

That's the only plan that I know that's being contemplated, yes.

Okay, thank you.

All right, Madam Controller, we're there any more questions.

You're not in the queue.

I don't see okay, I don't see your name on it.

Something's wrong with my screen, Ryan.

Councilwoman Logan, you're recognized.

I just want to make sure I'm understanding because I definitely thought Monroe was supposed to be closed to true car traffic, that it was going to be open just for foot traffic and a plaza and trees and garden like atmosphere.

I th I I'm going from memory, but I believe if you come from Riverside, you go vehicular traffic into a garage.

You don't have complete cessation of vehicular track.

From front down, yeah.

I mean that it's the same street at front street.

There will be bollards there, and there will be a pedestrian civic class.

After that, there will still be a road and you will go into a garage on the city.

And I said that it would be vehicle.

Okay.

It's not being closed completely, no.

Right.

Just that little portion of it.

Okay, thank you.

Sorry.

Councilman Spinoza.

And again, sorry, I would have put myself in the queue.

So I just want to say again for the for the record.

Like I'm I want to vote yes on this, and I'm planning to vote yes on this.

I just wanted to make sure it said engineering plans.

It was a street light in front of Cossa library and like a walkway and stuff.

So I just wanted to say that on the record.

Like I'm excited.

The university is excited about that.

It's on Front Street.

And that's a part of all of this.

So none of that's changing.

We're just talking about what we're talking about here today.

Yes, sir.

Okay, cool.

That's all.

Thank you.

Yeah.

All right.

Are there any other council members in the queue?

Councilwoman Cooper Sutton.

You're recognized.

Thank you.

Thank you, Chair.

So it's just going to be a one-way.

You only have entrance on one side.

From the bot.

And then you go in and out from riverside.

So you won't go in and out from front.

You stop at front.

It's vehicular is pedestrian at front.

And then the remainder is vehicular.

You don't go all the way through.

No.

That's always been the case.

Thank you.

Okay.

All right.

Madam Controller, if you will please prepare the screen for the vote.

As amended.

It's been moved by Councilman Spinoza.

Second by Councilwoman Dr.

Easter Thomas.

We're voting on item.

As amended.

Um I'll get your vote manually.

Easter Thomas, yes.

Ford, yes.

Logan, yes.

Spinoza, yes, Warren, yes.

Chairwoman Swarring Washington, yes.

Please show council member Smiley is voting yes.

Councilmember Canale is voting yes.

Are there any other council members that like to vote on this item?

Thank you.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call our same night minute items.

We'll start with number 11.

A resolution to accept grant funds in the amount of five hundred ninety-one thousand dollars from the state of Tennessee Office of Criminal Justice Programs.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by the administration, and there is a request for same night minutes.

Councilman Canale, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The committee met recommended approval and I so move.

I move it and second it.

Okay.

All right, it has been moved by Councilman Ford Canale.

Second by Councilman Dr.

Warren.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen for item number 11.

Yes.

Canale, yes.

Cooper Sutton, yes.

Easter Thomas, yes.

Ford, yes, Logan, yes, Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, Warren, yes, Chairwoman Swearing, Washington, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 12.

Item number 12 is a resolution to establish the Memphis City Council Community Grant Program for FY27.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by Chairwoman Swearing in Washington.

There is a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman Dr.

Easter Thomas, you're recognized.

Chair, the committee may recommends approval and I so move, but I I move um verbally since my screen is missed upon.

Okay.

It has been moved by councilwoman Dr.

Easter Thomas, second by councilman Dr.

Warren.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen and take a roll call vote as necessary.

Yes, can I have a screen by work?

I know you're not sure.

Our votes are Canale, yes, on number 12, Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Logan, yes, Smiley, yes.

Please show council member Spinoza as voting yes on number 12.

Warren, yes, and chairwoman Swearing Washington, yes.

That item passes.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please call item number 13.

Item number 13 is a resolution to amend the Memphis City Council Community Grant Program for FY27.

All council districts.

This resolution is sponsored by council members Logan and Cooper Sutton.

There's a request for same night minutes.

Councilwoman Dr.

Easter Thomas, you're recognized at this time.

Chair, the committee may recommend approval and I so move verbally.

It has been moved by councilwoman Dr.

Easter Thomas, second by councilman Spinoza.

Madam Comptroller, if you will please prepare the screen.

Easter Thomas, yes, Ford, yes, Logan, yes, Smiley, yes.

Please show Councilmember Spinoza is voting yes on this item.

Warren, yes, and chairwoman swearing in Washington, yes.

That item passes.

This now takes us to our comment cards.

We will now do our same night minutes.

Councilman Ford Canale.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

The same night minute items are 8, 11, 12, and 13.

And with that, uh move it to the floor.

It's been moved by Councilman.

Ford Canale, second by Councilman Spinoza.

All right.

Now we're ready for our comment cards.

For the same night minutes, please show Councilmember Easter Thomas's voting yes.

Councilmember Cooper Sutton as voting yes, Canale as voting yes, Ford, yes, Logan, yes.

Smiley, yes, Spinoza, yes, Warren, yes, and chairwoman Swearing Washington, yes.

Please show White as voting yes on the same night minutes.

That item passes.

We're now ready to move to our comment cards.

Our first comment request card is from Janice Brody Davis, and then we'll have Lucy Chamberless.

Lucy.

Do I start now?

My name is Janice Brody Davis.

I was a bus driver of Memphis area, so they're transitive.

And uh I just want to know, let y'all know how Mattel did me as a bus driver.

They had bought me a bus.

The bus didn't have any, the brakes went out.

Someone hit the back of the bus.

I never had no accident.

You terminated me.

So when you terminated me, and my files, I was now working for Matt.

Another driver had killed somebody on the I 40.

They said they put it on me.

I wasn't even working for them.

And also they got other drivers that had accidents in my employee files.

It's a whole lot of drivers with their names on it, they have badge numbers.

They tried to set me up.

I was a good driver for matter.

I was an on-time performance.

I never missed work.

I did Matter Plus and I did the fixed route.

If y'all have any questions for me, let me know.

I'm sitting down, okay.

But I just want to be heard because I have been done wrong at Memphis area authority transit.

And um, y'all know what MATA is going through.

They're going through a lot.

So I was there with all that was going on when they were still in their money, everything.

I was there.

Thank y'all.

Thank you.

Okay.

All right, thank you.

David.

Miss Chainless, and then Wanicia Hyman.

My name is Lucy Bucci Chambless, whatever you want to call me.

Um, and I'm here because Tyron Johnson was murdered Sunday by the National Guard.

The third murder that we've had by the combination or these soldiers that are in our streets, and I I actually wrote out what I wanted to say so that I wouldn't come in here cussing like I have on on previous occasions, but I did not expect to see the Pyrram family when I got here.

We opened this meeting tonight honoring Darnell Pyram's cousin for her musical achievements, and I'm I'm not saying that she doesn't deserve that.

She definitely deserved that honor, but y'all realize that her cousin was killed by the task force just a couple months ago, right?

And this body's been quiet.

And I realized that you guys don't have a lot of authority when it comes to the task force, or to these soldiers that are occupying our city.

But Miss Moon said something that hit me in my heart.

She said that our future depends on what our children believe that they can be.

And this body has shown our children that they can be criminals, and that's about it.

This body has for decades, not just you guys, your predecessors have divested from community resources that actually do prevent crime that reduce crime.

You've divested from our children from their futures, and you have given our money over and over and over to MPD.

You're showing our children that the only thing that they can be is criminals.

And that's why Memphis is in the state that it's in right now.

That's why this task force is here.

That's why the president sent the military to occupy our city.

And again, I know there's not a lot that you can do, but MPD does have the thorough the authority to disarm those soldiers.

They have the authority to tell them that they're not welcome to perform law enforcement duties in our city, and I ask that you put pressure on MPD so that this doesn't keep happening.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for coming down.

Wancia Hyman and then Claudia Hyman.

All right.

Thank you for the opportunity to speak.

Blessings to us all.

There is a Bermuda Triangle in the South, sweeping through the area like a falcon who just saw their prey.

If I left my home right now, I could get to XAI's now Anthropics Memphis Building, XAI's other Memphis building, Google's West Memphis, Arkansas building, and XAI's South Haven, Mississippi building in one hour and 22 minutes for a total of 54 miles.

The South still has not developed immunity to inhumane plantations.

Without plantation immunity, the diseased parts learn newer ways to infect and grow.

It is not by happenstance that Virginia has the most data centers, considering the number of plantations they had during slavery by 1860.

I have been engrossed in the teachings of ancestral father Dr.

John Henry Clark, and he teaches on the peril of pan-African communities.

One, not owning their wealth-producing resources of their land, two, allowing others not of that land to come in to colonize that land because of its wealth-producing resources.

Three, having elected and non-elected leaders who who bargain off the people's resources under the guise of free market and trade, and four reaping little or nothing in comparison to those who colonize that land for its wealth-producing resources.

For example, I'm talking about our aquifer as a wealth-producing resource.

Further concerns, reports are that XAI also uses coolant that contains anti-freeze, which is going to further complicate that water even being able to be treated in a wastewater treatment plant due to how anti-freeze particles bind to water.

We need city attorneys to look into how we can lawfully obtain access to the NDAs, which you can do when the state of public interest is at stake, and it definitely is.

Also, it would be great to have some kind of law that says Greater Memphis Chamber cannot keep signing.

Thank you so much.

And then Miss Glenda Hicks.

Hello to you all.

Now I have practiced in states all across the country.

As a civil rights attorney, I've practiced in Washington, DC, California, Seattle, and Jackson, Mississippi.

I want to talk to you a little bit about my time in Jackson, Mississippi.

I was a member of the legal team that represented community groups in the emergency petition filed before the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency, and also as we intervene in the federal lawsuit filed before the U.S.

District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi.

The argument we were making is that the community has a right to speak about its water.

I'm happy to share the case numbers and materials related to these cases.

If you would like them, I'm happy to share them.

But I'm here to talk about experiences that the community shared.

As part of my role and as a representation for the community, I attended many public meetings.

Some of those hosted by community organizations, some hosted by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Residents battled with constant reoccurring boiled water notices, an electrical fire, complete loss of water pressure, schools closing due to lack of water, contaminated water and/or damaged or destroyed pipes, and many other uh issues due to the water pressure being completely damaged.

It would take longer than a few minutes to share what I heard at those meetings, but I wanted to share with you some of the memorable stories and hope that you will not have to listen to these stories coming from your community citizens.

One of the stories I heard was from a parent.

I'll be back.

Thank you so much.

And then LG Cossett.

Good afternoon.

Good afternoon.

So I'm here today with grave concern regarding item number five.

The intent to increase our sewer fees.

How is that justified?

It wasn't that long ago that we had a sewer increase.

And I do not know the exact amount that you all are talking about, but let's be real, council members.

Memphis is at a critical state.

The property values, the assessment of property values went up last year, which gave us increase across the board.

No one has said a word about that, but I know that based on the assessed value, my taxes increase.

I'm paying more.

No one has addressed those funds and what's being done done with those funds.

You all say, oh, we're not having a rate increase, but then you want to pick and choose these little services that should be covered by our taxes, but are not solid waste sewer.

You increased solid waste last year, and now you want to come and talk about a sewer increase.

It is not justified.

Now I understand that there has been a serious mismanagement of funds when it comes to the sewer funds.

You all need to deal with that without putting that responsibility on the backs of hard working citizens.

I cannot believe that you can sit in these seats and go home at night and feel justified with that action, because it is not.

So I know this was second reading, but please do not.

Thank you so much.

We will now have LJ Cossett and then Martina X.

Yes, hi.

I have a presentment from LG Cossett, Director General of the Indigenous People of North America.

When Tavany Moore was born in Memphis Regional One Hospital, her mother No Yamina wanted her name to be um named nine days after her birth, and she didn't want to be vaccinated.

Years ago, no Yumina had told her by an older family that she was indigenous, Indian.

Everyone in No Yamena's family had tried for years to change their identity from African American to American Aboriginal, but they were denied.

When No Yumina told the hospital staff that a baby was not going to be vaccinated and didn't need a birth certificate, the hospital staff immediately called Tennessee Department of Human Services and the Memphis Police Department.

Number one, No Yamina was not obligated to make her child award of the state.

Number two, by birth and blood from the mother.

She had the right to name according to their customs and their bloodline indigenous lifestyle.

Number three, No Yamina knew that her baby was not a Fourth Amendment citizen.

Yes, I thank you.

Names are important.

Titles are important.

I'm LG Cossett because my grandfather was LG Cossett.

He was the great great grandson of Frederick Cossett who built the Cossett Library.

I'm concerned about how our young women are being treated here in Shelby County.

They're not allowed to.

This is my body.

This is my baby.

We're changed to African American at a whim.

We're labeled black as at a whim.

That's a violation of human rights.

And I'm asking all of the members of this council body who's here today.

There was a notice that was passed around.

A letter to the governor.

If you care about the people in your district, then I believe that you will send that letter to your governor and have that governor cease and desist all of the policies that are along the lines of the Racial Integrity Act, which has been repealed.

I thank you.

I'm LG Cossett.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Martina X and then Mia Maya Hardaway.

I understand.

Good afternoon, Council members.

My name is Martina X, and I'm here because the City of Memphis cannot continue looking the other way.

MLGW is owned by the City of Memphis, and his CEO I see is not currently here.

That is appointed by the mayor and is ultimately accountable to the public.

On May 16th, 2024, MLGW allegedly allowed my strange husband to establish utility service at my home using an out-of-state identification and a protection order.

I contend that MLGW failed to follow its own verification procedures before reconnecting service.

That failure changed my life.

I am currently under indictment.

And on January 17th, 2025, I lost my home to foreclosure.

When I asked for answers, I received denials instead of a transparency.

So I have four simple questions.

They were for the CEO, but now since you are responsible for him, who approved this?

Why was the property owner never notified?

Why were MLGW policies not followed?

And who will be held accountable?

I am demanding this council to investigate MLGW's actions, demand accountability from its CEO and ensure no other Memphian resident loses their home and constitutional rights because a city agency such as yourself failed to do its job.

You exist to protect the rights of the constituents, not strip them away.

Justice delayed is deliberate indifference, and I'll see you soon.

Thank you so much.

We'll now have Nehemiah Hardaway and then Ricky Lewis.

All right.

And I was here a couple of weeks ago, and uh as an advocate for the one who was fired in light gas or water.

And once Michael Jackson always said, what about the common man?

Is anybody concerned about the coming?

I'm asking you guys do not turn your backs on the ones who are fired at light gas and water.

If so, there will be plenty of them behind them.

There will be more fire behind them.

And I mentioned in the board meeting the other day.

They had one person that most the ones that have problems with uh this one VP, which is Timothy Davis, and I'm asking this city council to somewhere somehow get light gas and water.

Uh they they need to be investigated because eventually it won't be a Memphis like gas or water, it will be a utility company, and that's what we're going at the utility company.

I'm an advocate for the customers.

I have talked with uh VPs about uh about the customers, and I'm concerned about the employees that like gas and water.

And like I will say, many of you went to college.

You may have fraternities and then sororities, but I'm gonna say now like gas and water is my fraternity, and I wish you guys would uh have a heart for the customers with fired.

And I wish you guys would uh have a heart for the customers with fire.

They like it.

I mean the employees were fired, they like gas water.

Have a heart and look at it uh as you will.

Thank you.

Thank you.

That brings us to the end of our meeting agenda.

I will entertain a motion to adjourn this meeting.

All right, it's been moved by Councilman Ford Canale, second by Councilwoman Logan.

This meeting is adjourned.