Shelby County Commissioners convened recently to discuss a contentious resolution approving a contract between the Shelby County Health Department and the University of Memphis, valued at $459,890. The contract, set to begin on May 1, 2024, and run through March 31, 2025, aims to provide professional services for data collection and analysis to address health disparities in the community. The resolution includes an option for renewal for up to four additional one-year periods and will utilize federal grant funds amounting to $4,159,890.

However, the approval of this contract has sparked significant controversy. Several community members voiced their concerns during the meeting, highlighting the University of Memphis's history of racial discrimination and low graduation rates for Black students. Critics argue that awarding such a substantial contract to a predominantly white institution raises serious ethical and constitutional questions, particularly in a city where the majority of the population is Black.

Community advocate Johnson, who spoke at the meeting, called for an immediate investigation into the procurement process, suggesting that the decision to award the contract without competitive bidding could indicate manipulation or discrimination against Black-owned businesses. She emphasized that the contract undermines trust within the Black community and reflects broader systemic issues within the procurement system.

Other speakers echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment that local Black organizations, which they believe are better suited to address the community's needs, were overlooked. Darlene Willis and Monique Wade both articulated their concerns regarding the lack of representation and the implications of awarding such contracts to entities with troubling histories regarding racial equity.

The commissioners acknowledged the gravity of the situation, with some indicating they would pull the item for further discussion, allowing community members to voice their concerns more thoroughly. The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges of ensuring equitable access to public resources and the importance of transparency in government contracting processes.