City Leadership 15 year anniversary party

May 1st at Annesdale Mansion was one of those nights that makes you stop and say, “Wow… look at what we’ve built together.”

It was beautiful. It was bittersweet. It was full of laughter, full of memory, and absolutely full of Memphis magic.

We brought together the folks who have poured their hearts into City Leadership over the last 15 years—those who are grinding it out with us right now and those who helped build the foundation we stand on today. It was people showing up to celebrate what happens when you choose to say yes to the hard, good work of leading for the good of others.

The Threads That Bind Us (Literally)

Now, if you know us, you know we love a good symbolic moment. So of course, we had a little activity called “The Threads That Bind Us.”

Each person wrapped the thread around a center point—a symbol of the CL flame—to mark when they started their time with us and when that season ended.

By the end, we had a beautiful pattern of woven thread, showing just how connected we all are.

It’s Always Been About the People

We’ve got some amazing campaigns—Choose901, Teach901, Give901, Serve901, Choose901 Alumni—but none of that happens without the people.

People who show up early. Stay late. Say yes to the impossible. Take risks. Push boundaries. Hold the vision when it gets blurry. Lift each other up.

So this party was a thank you to every person who’s ever been a part of the journey. If you’ve ever worked here, volunteered with us, worn a Choose901 t-shirt, made a donation, or just cheered us on—we see you. We love you. You’re part of this.

Here’s to the Next 15

Fifteen years ago, this whole thing started with a crazy dream to recruit and develop leaders who could help Memphis become the best version of itself.

The thread is still winding. The flame is still burning. The best work is still ahead.

So let’s keep going—together.