Will’s Weekly Wrap
A New Independence Day for District 8—Will Richardson’s July 4th Campaign Launch
Will Richardson, longtime Memphian, father, mentor, and tireless advocate, is officially launching his campaign for Shelby County Commission District 8. He stands not just as a candidate, but as a neighbor—someone who knows the hope and the hustle of our streets, our churches, and our families.
Lighting a New Fire on Independence Day
July 4th: A New Chapter for District 8 and Shelby County
July 4th is more than fireworks, flags, and backyard barbecues. It’s a day rooted in the courage to choose a new path, to fight for genuine freedom, and to believe that ordinary people can drive extraordinary change. As America celebrates its independence, District 8 stands on the edge of its own new beginning—a moment to welcome leadership that listens, lifts, and leads with heart.
Today, Will Richardson—a lifelong Memphian, father, mentor, and steadfast community leader—officially launches his campaign for Shelby County Commission District 8. Will isn’t just another candidate; he’s a neighbor who knows the hope and the hustle of our neighborhoods, our churches, and our families. For him, “Where there is a Will, there’s a Way” is more than a campaign slogan—it’s a promise to every resident of District 8 and Shelby County.
For Will, Independence Day has always been personal. Raised by a single mother, he remembers the July 4ths spent with neighbors, grilling, watching fireworks, and listening to stories about the struggle for respect and opportunity. Those early lessons taught him that real strength isn’t handed down—it’s earned, and it’s shared.
“Independence Day was always about standing up for yourself and your neighbors,” Will recalls. “It’s about every person’s right to be heard and to help shape our community.”
Why Will? A Memphian With a Mission
Will Richardson’s roots run deep in District 8. From youth football games at T.O. Fuller Park to worship at Beale Street churches, he’s never left the side of his city. He graduated from Melrose High, studied community leadership at LeMoyne-Owen College, and has spent years mentoring youth, marching against violence, and partnering with schools for literacy programs. People know Will for his “open door”—whether it’s meeting parents at school board meetings or sitting on porches to talk about flooding concerns.
His campaign isn’t about headlines or ego. It’s about the real people who shaped him: the school cafeteria worker who kept extra snacks for kids in need, the retired mechanic teaching teens how to fix bikes, the families who rebuilt after hardship with the help of neighbors and faith. These are the stories that fuel Will’s commitment to represent District 8’s future.
The Issues That Matter: “It’s About Us—all of Us.”
Will’s vision is built on three pillars:
Neighborhood Safety Built on Trust
Will envisions community policing that’s truly community-centered—officers walking beats, after-school programs with real funding, and neighborhood watch teams empowered with training and resources. “Everyone should feel safe, period. We fix that together or we don’t fix it at all.”
Schools, Opportunity, and Youth First
Education is the biggest game-changer. Will advocates for full funding for Shelby County Schools, partnerships with local businesses for job shadowing and internships, and after-hours learning centers so every child has a safe place to grow and succeed.
Building Wealth and Supporting Black-Owned Businesses
Memphis thrives on Black entrepreneurship, but too many feel left out of downtown growth. Will’s priorities include expanding access to capital and training for Black-owned startups, targeting county contracts toward local companies, and teaming up with community banks to offer microloans and mentorship. “Economic freedom is real freedom. It’s how we build legacy, together.”
A Digital Campaign for a Connected Community
Will Richardson’s campaign is Memphis-first and 21st-century ready, centered around the myCARD PRO digital hub at justmy.com/willrichardson. All campaign news, policy details, events, and ways to volunteer are in one easy-to-navigate place. Whether you’re 18 or 80, tech-savvy or just learning, myCARD PRO makes it simple to get involved.
July 4th Memories: Where Change Starts on the Block
Every campaign needs heart, and Will’s is found in the people and places of District 8. He remembers organizing block parties, seeing neighbors come together after storms, and joining spontaneous prayer circles in tough times. Those moments—ordinary and extraordinary—shaped Will’s lifelong belief: leadership starts with service. “You show up for folks, rain or shine. That’s Memphis.”
A New Fourth of July: Rising Together
On this Independence Day, Will invites everyone—lifelong Memphians, new arrivals, young voters, and community elders—to join a campaign built on hope, respect, and real solutions. Standing up for independence wasn’t just a one-time event in 1776. It’s still happening today—right here in District 8. Will’s campaign is about reclaiming our local voice, refusing to settle for “good enough,” and lighting the fire for real progress.
Get Involved: District 8 Needs You
Will’s campaign is fueled by neighbors, not big donors. Visit theWilltoLead.com to sign up for updates, volunteer, host a house meeting, or share your story. Follow along on social media, tag your July 4th celebrations, and help spread the word.
Where there is a Will, there’s a Way. This July 4th, let’s begin—together. District 8, your voice matters. Your future starts now.