Two days ago, hundreds of parents gathered at KIPP Memphis University High School for a two-day summit focused on parent involvement in education.
The event was organized by Memphis Lift, a local group that works to increase parent engagement in schools.
“We are sending a message across the county: our children are in crisis. America is losing kids every day,” said Geoffrey Canada, founder of the Harlem Children’s Zone. “Children should be in school to learn, gain skills, and prepare for the future. Instead, many are out on the streets.”
Canada shared how he first connected with Sarah Carpenter, executive director of Memphis Lift, during the COVID-19 pandemic. She had invited him to speak at a parent meeting on Zoom.
“I thought 20 or 30 parents would show up,” Canada said. “But hundreds came. It was the biggest Zoom meeting I’ve ever attended.”
The summit took place amid ongoing debate over local school leadership. In January, Dr. Mary Figgins was removed as superintendent of Memphis-Shelby County Schools, a move that sparked controversy and almost led to a state takeover of the district.
Carpenter criticized the school board for how it handled the situation.
“I don’t think they did it right,” she said. “I said it then, and I’ll say it now. I don’t think they did it right.”
Both Carpenter and Canada pointed to serious issues within Memphis schools, including low literacy rates and high levels of violence. They urged parents to stay involved and push for better conditions.
“Don’t give up,” Canada told parents. “Don’t settle for less than what your children deserve. Don’t settle for less than what you know you can do.”
Guest speakers at Tuesday’s session included Emma Bloomberg, daughter of businessman Michael Bloomberg, and former superintendent Dr. Michelle Feagins. Organizers hope the summit will encourage more parents to speak out and take action to improve Memphis-Shelby County Schools.
