MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In a move reminiscent of the turbulent 1960s, National Guard troops have arrived in Memphis as part of an effort to address increasing crime rates in the area. Local residents, especially those like Joe Calhoun, recall their past experiences when the Guard was deployed during significant civil rights events.
The deployment is concurrent with violent crime concerns plaguing the city, which has seen ongoing issues with assaults, carjackings, and homicides. Capt. Kealy Moriarty of the Tennessee Guard reports that members are already assisting with security patrols and traffic control to help ensure community safety.
Calhoun, who was active during protests in the past, reflected on the uncomfortable feelings that the military presence evoked. The sights and sounds of large military units on the streets bring back memories not only of marches for civil rights but also of conflict and intervention.
With a rich history tied to civil rights, Memphis faces a pivotal moment. Governor Bill Lee acknowledges this as a critical juncture, expressing cautious optimism about the potential effectiveness of the Guard's presence. While he originally anticipated a few hundred troops, he has since noted that the final number remains uncertain.
In a striking contrast to past mobilizations, Mayor Paul Young envisions a role for the Guard that extends beyond security; he suggests tasks like neighborhood beautification and monitoring police cameras. This approach aims to reshape the narrative surrounding military presence in urban areas.
As the community weighs the deployment of troops alongside ongoing violence, concern lingers regarding historical imagery of the Guard's role in times of crisis. Reflecting on the past, both Calhoun and fellow residents hope for a future where the need for military intervention is no longer necessary.
