A diverse group of about 500 Memphians attended the People’s Convention Saturday at the Paradise Entertainment Complex on Georgia Avenue, where candidates for municipal offices spoke talked about their views on issues ranging from education to housing. Photo by Andrea Morales.
Ashley Caldwell, an organizer with Restore Your Vote, waits on stage to speak. Sydney Kessler, an organizer with Friends of the Earth, speaks on stage. Photos by Andrea Morales.
The steady stream of attendees signed in at the People’s Convention, where candidates for mayor, city council and other seats, vied for their support. The prize: to be included on a slate of consensus candidates. The agenda focused on city finances, education, crime, employment and housing. Photo by Johnathan Martin.
Rev. Dr. Earle Fisher, founder of #UpTheVote901 and an organizer of the People’s Convention, told the group, “At no point in recent history have we had 20 candidates for elected office gathered to be vetted by a group like this. And be very clear: We are not here because of them. They are here because of us.” Photos by Johnathan Martin.

This story is brought to you by MLK50: Justice Through Journalism, a nonprofit reporting project on economic justice in Memphis. Support independent journalism by making a tax-deductible donation today. MLK50 is also supported by the Surdna Foundation, the Southern Documentary Project and Community Change.