Shelby County Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee renames itself "Economic Mobility and Social Transformation"

The Shelby County Racial Equity Ad Hoc Committee voted unanimously Dec. 1 to change its name to the "Economic Mobility and Social Transformation Committee."

"I move the name the new name or the committee be renamed, economic mobility and social transformation," Joselle Booker said when she brought the motion. The motion was seconded and, after a roll call, the chair declared "The ayes have it, and this item passes economic mobility and social transformation committee." The chair, Edmond Ford Jr., recorded a 5–0 tally of ayes and no nays. The vote included affirmative votes from Rashida Jones, Joselle Booker, Allen Gumbel, Dr. Earl Fisher and Gail Jones Carson; the chair also voted in favor.

Members debated several alternative titles during discussion, proposing options such as "Economic Mobility and Community Benefit," "Economic Justice and Social Transformation," and "Social Justice and Economic Policy." Speakers repeatedly emphasized including an economic focus in the name while weighing whether words such as "justice" or explicit racial terminology could trigger political or funding scrutiny.

County Attorney staff advised the committee to research federal and Tennessee executive guidance before finalizing any permanent change. Pamela Williams Kelly said the committee should look closely at whether proposed language aligns with federal executive orders and Tennessee DEI policy and offered to research legal implications before the next step.

The chair said the committee will proceed with documentation and a friendly amendment that makes the name change contingent on the legal review; members were also asked to provide written summaries of their work for a forthcoming white paper and broader community outreach.

The committee set a follow-up date of Jan. 28 at 3:30 p.m. for the next meeting and adjourned.