In 2020 DeCarcerate Memphis formed to create resistance strategies against Operation Relentless Pursuit, a federal initiative aimed to intensify federal law enforcement resources into seven cities, and Operation LeGend, an initiative where federal agents assist state and local law enforcement to eliminate the “sudden surge” in crime.

DeCarcerate Memphis is a coalition composed of community leaders, activists, attorneys, strategists, clergy and concerned residents who uplift the people’s definition of safety by shifting power and resources from punitive measures to community-led solutions.

Today, Decarcerate Memphis exists to apply common sense strategies and a community-oriented approach to the problematic system of policing. We do this by demanding funds are equitably allocated and resisting the criminalization of the poor.