A Love Letter to Memphis: Kendall Downing

Big M,

You were always sort of an enigma to me, Memphis. Growing up in Tipton County, I always felt like a hot shot when we’d come to the city.

The more I grew up through those childhood years, the more I appreciated the hustle and bustle of city life. But I’d have to wait longer to find my way back. Many cities, bigger and smaller, and many years later I finally moved to the place that’s famously unchanging. The pull of home was simply too strong.

Memphis has its challenges. But it also has its opportunities. Life is different here. It doesn’t move quite as quickly. It presents opportunities for neighbors to become friends who then become family. West Tennesseans have a special gritty quality. It’s a quality that can’t be replicated. It’s working hard in the face of adversity.

In the next 200 years, let’s use the love, passion and care for our community – for good – by offering a helping hand.

I believe in a better Memphis and the best days of the Bluff City are certainly ahead.

Happy birthday!

Love,

Kendall

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