Written by: JR Robinson

Shelby County is more than a collection of neighborhoods, businesses, and schools-it is home. For Commissioner Mickell Lowery, this idea is not just a slogan, but a lifelong calling. As he launches his campaign for Shelby County Mayor, Lowery’s message is clear: “Home is something you fight for.” This belief, rooted in his family legacy and proven through decades of service, is the foundation of his vision for a stronger, more equitable, and more unified Shelby County.

A Legacy of Service and the Meaning of Home

Mickell Lowery’s roots in Shelby County run deep. Born and raised in Memphis, he is the son of Myron Lowery, a former Memphis City Council Chairman and Mayor Pro Tem, whose own career set a high standard for public service. Growing up in a household where civic duty was a way of life, Mickell learned early that leadership is not about titles-it’s about purpose, action, and a willingness to listen and serve.

“Shelby County is where I was born, where I built my career, where I serve my neighbors, and where I’m raising my family. Shelby County is home-and home is something you fight for.”

This sense of belonging and responsibility has shaped every phase of Lowery’s journey. From his education at LeMoyne-Owen College and the University of Arkansas, to his 20+ year career at FedEx, to his tenure as County Commissioner, Mickell has always viewed Shelby County as a place worth investing in, protecting, and uplifting.

Fighting for Opportunity: Education and Youth Empowerment

For Lowery, fighting for home begins with fighting for the next generation. He has spent over a decade coaching youth football-not because he had a child on the team, but because he believes in the power of mentorship and positive role models. He has mentored students, helped build after-school programs, and worked to ensure that every child, regardless of their zip code, has access to quality education and the opportunities they deserve.

As County Commissioner, Lowery has prioritized investments in schools and youth programs. He understands that when children succeed, communities thrive. This commitment is visible in his work with the A+ Learning Academy, where he helped implement after-school tutoring at schools across the county, and in his service on boards like the LeMoyne-Owen College Board of Trustees and the Fire Museum of Memphis.

“Service extends beyond government offices. For over a decade, I’ve coached youth football not because I had a kid on the team, but because I believe in investing in our young people. When our kids succeed, our community succeeds.”

Economic Opportunity and Community Investment

Lowery’s vision for Shelby County is one where economic opportunity is not limited by geography or circumstance. As a Managing Director at FedEx, he has seen firsthand how jobs and innovation can transform lives. He has fought to expand economic opportunity, support small businesses, and ensure that every neighborhood has the chance to be safe and thriving.

His leadership on the County Commission has included championing policies that strengthen the local economy, invest in infrastructure, and promote entrepreneurship. He believes that government should work for the people it serves, removing barriers and opening doors for all residents.

“I’ve worked to invest in our communities, strengthen our schools, and ensure our government works for the people it serves. I fought to expand economic opportunity and support the small businesses that keep Shelby County moving forward.”

Leadership Proven by Results

Lowery’s approach to leadership is shaped by his corporate experience at FedEx, where he has held roles in Global Product Marketing, IT Strategy Management, and Global Sales. He has received the FedEx Five Star Award and the President’s Club Award, honors reserved for the company’s top performers. This experience has taught him that real leadership demands vision, persistence, and the ability to turn bold ideas into meaningful action.

“At FedEx, I learned firsthand what real leadership demands: vision, persistence, and the ability to turn bold ideas into meaningful action. Leadership isn’t measured by promises-it’s proven by results.”

As County Commissioner, Lowery’s results speak for themselves. He has served as chairman of key committees, including Budget and Finance, and has been recognized with honors like Memphis Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 and Ebony Magazine’s Top 30 Under 30. His leadership is not just about making plans-it’s about delivering on them.

Facing Shelby County’s Challenges

Shelby County, like many communities, faces significant challenges. Crime and public safety remain top concerns for residents. Educational disparities persist, with too many children lacking access to the resources they need to succeed. Economic inequality threatens the stability of neighborhoods, and infrastructure needs continue to grow.

Lowery acknowledges these realities but sees them as opportunities for collective action. He calls this a defining moment-a time for the county to come together, confront its challenges head-on, and build a future where every family has a shot at success.

“This is a defining moment in our county. We have challenges, yes, but we also have incredible opportunity. This is our time to come together to build a county where every family has a shot at success, where every neighborhood has the opportunity to be safe and thriving, and where our government works for all of our people.”

A Platform Built on Community Needs

Lowery’s campaign platform reflects the issues that matter most to Shelby County residents:

• Public Safety: Supporting law enforcement and community-based initiatives to reduce crime and make neighborhoods safer.
• Education: Increasing funding for schools, expanding after-school programs, and ensuring that every child has access to quality education.
• Economic Development: Attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating jobs that pay a living wage.
• Affordable Housing: Investing in housing initiatives that make it possible for families to live and thrive in Shelby County.
• Government Accountability: Promoting transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness in county government.

These priorities are not just talking points-they are the product of years spent listening to constituents, working alongside community leaders, and advocating for change.

A Record of Service Beyond Politics

Lowery’s commitment to Shelby County goes beyond his official duties. He has served as president of the Downtown Neighborhood Association, president and vice president of the National Alumni Association of LeMoyne-Owen College, and chairman of the Memphis Housing Authority Board. He has been a youth mentor at Charjean Elementary and has helped implement after-school tutoring at schools like Georgian Hills Elementary and Kingsbury High School.

His service has been recognized by organizations across Memphis, including Diversity MBA Magazine and Memphis Crossroads Magazine. He is a graduate of Leadership Tennessee, the Leadership Memphis Executive Class, and the New Memphis Fellow/Leadership Development Institute.

Family, Faith, and the Future

At the heart of Lowery’s campaign is his family. He and his wife, Chonisa, are raising three daughters-Channise, Myla, and Milan-in Shelby County. For Lowery, the fight for home is personal. It is about building a community where his children, and all children, can grow up safe, educated, and full of hope.

His faith in the people of Shelby County is unwavering. He believes that by working together, residents can shape a future that honors the county’s history while embracing new possibilities.

“Our future isn’t written yet-it’s ours to shape. Let’s build it together.”

A Call to Action: Building a Home Worth Fighting For

Mickell Lowery’s campaign for Shelby County Mayor is more than a political contest-it is a movement rooted in the belief that home is worth fighting for. It is a call to action for every resident to join in the work of building a county where opportunity, safety, and prosperity are not privileges, but rights.

His record, his vision, and his passion for service make him a compelling candidate at a pivotal moment in Shelby County’s history. As the county prepares to choose its next leader, Lowery’s message resonates: now is the time to come together, confront challenges, and invest in the place we all call home.

The Wrap Up: The Fight for Home Continues

Mickell Lowery’s life is a testament to the idea that home is something you fight for. From the football fields where he coached young athletes, to the boardrooms of FedEx, to the chambers of the County Commission, he has dedicated himself to making Shelby County a better place for all.

His campaign is an invitation-to dream bigger, work harder, and believe that together, Shelby County can rise to meet any challenge. For Lowery, the fight for home is not just about policy or politics-it is about people, purpose, and the promise of a brighter future.

As he says, “Let’s build it together.” Shelby County’s best days are ahead, and with leaders like Mickell Lowery, home will always be worth fighting for.