Memphis- like all cities, has a history of both highs and lows. We’ve been touched by the best of mankind, but also the worst. The one constant in Memphis, however, is our relentless pursuit of positive change to make our city a better place.

We attract the fearless- those with innovative spirits and the drive to create something special. People who rise above and see a brighter future for themselves and others. And it’s those people- from Tom Lee to Ida B. Wells to Danny Thomas- that’s made Memphis what it is today.

We are the City on the Bluff

Memphis, with its prime position on the Chickasaw bluff, has always been a magnet for people. The land was claimed and populated by the Chickasaw Native Americans who inhabited the space until European Colonists arrived in the area in the 16^th century.

Offering protection from Mississippi floods and with a shelf of sandstone perfect for boat landing, the land atop this bluff was perfectly suited for commerce and began Memphis’ business success.

Memphis’ Black History

Following the Jackson Purchase in 1818, West Tennessee was opened for settlement by Europeans and on May 22, 1819 the city was founded by a group of investors that included John Overton and James Winchester. With an economy largely supported by the cotton industry, early Memphis relied heavily on the labor of slaves for its success, and continued this model for its economy until after the Civil War.

Post-Civil War Memphis, which had been a valuable Union (outpost) for most of the war following the capture of the city in the Battle of Memphis, provided an opportunity for Black Memphians to take their share of Memphis’ wealth.  Notable businessman Robert Church, Sr. founded the first Black-owned bank in the city, and bought real estate- including land on Beale Street – that he used to create a new cultural epicenter for Black Memphians.  Although they experienced great economic strides in the years following the Civil War, Black Memphians once again found themselves disenfranchised in a repopulated Memphis following the Yellow Fever Epidemic. With only small gains in their economic status in the early 20^th century, Black Memphians wouldn’t see true change until the Civil Rights movement of the 1960s.

The fight for equality

Following the deaths of sanitation workers Echol Cole and Robert Walker, Memphis sanitation workers officially went on strike in February 1968 to protest the years of discriminatory treatment and demand better working conditions. With support from the Black community, the strikers marched for months and called on Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. to join them in their protests.

On April 4, 1968, Dr. King was assassinated on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Fearing rioting, Memphis Mayor Henry Loeb, who initially refused to meet with the strikers and employed methods to undermine them, reached a settlement and the strike officially ended on April 16, 1968. The National Civil Rights Museum now stands at the site of the Lorraine Motel.

A new generation of sound

With Beale Street as its home, Memphis’ sound was uncontainable. W.C. Handy wrote the first blues song published in America- Memphis Blues in 1912, Elvis Presley began his recording career at Memphis’ Sun Records, and B.B. King got his start on Beale Street. Memphis’ music has a history that spans decades and genres. In the 1960s, the Memphis Sound, a mixture of blues, R&B, and soul, was created at Stax Records featuring the work of Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, The Bar-Kays and more.

Unstoppable City

Memphis has always been a city for innovators and groundbreakers- those among us who refuse to accept the status quo, instead pulling us all into change. This is our greatest legacy and a birthright we continue to embrace today. In the city where the first modern supermarket was created, ideas and innovation now ship goods globally in moments; where music found its soul now a new beat is being born; and where a King of civil rights fell now a National Civil Rights Museum prominently stands.

The magic of Memphis is this city’s resilience. Civil Rights struggles, economic downturns, and even widespread illness are part of Memphis’ history, but always, our creativity, innovative spirit, and strong sense of community allow us to overcome the challenges and emerge stronger than ever.

Learn more/get engaged

For more information about the history of Memphis, visit The Memphis and Shelby County Room on the 4^th floor of the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library.

The post A Brief History of Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.

Juneteenth doesn’t just celebrate freedom–for so many Black Memphians (and Black communities across the nation), it’s a day to unapologetically celebrate Black joy, expression, accomplishment and so much more. From the movers and shakers who are leading the path to a better and brighter Memphis to the young Memphians ready to make their mark on our city and the world, this day is all about celebrating the legacies they’re creating.

Here’s a history lesson for you. Nationwide slavery was officially ended on June 19th, 1865 and this comes two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. On this day, Major General Gordon Granger along with his Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas and announced that the war had ended and enslaved people were now free.

Join the Conversation

In celebration of Juneteenth, We Are Memphis is focusing on sharing stories from our Black community. While the holiday commemorates freedom, for so many Black Memphians (and Black communities across the country), it’s so much more! With the many stories and perspectives to share, we’ve sat down with the city’s favorite creatives, influencers, civic leaders, and more to highlight their stories of freedom of expression, joy, and living unapologetically.

Want to get in on the conversation? Share your story with us! Use #bringyoursoul and #wearememphis!

Black Music Month

We all know that Memphis wouldn’t be the musical city we all know and love without the generations of contributions from Black musicians. President Jimmy Carter created Black Music Month in 1979 and, now, we’re using this month to celebrate all of the talented Black musicians in the city. Of course, in Memphis, honoring our city’s musical legacy is a 365-day thing. From iconic gospel and blues singers to the many rappers and soulful R&B artists that called the M home, we’ve got a lot to be proud of!

Organizations

Whether you want to donate your time or your money, these are some local organizations that focus on community, advocacy, and the arts for this city and its citizens:

Community

• JUICE Orange Mound
• Memphis Urban League
• Memphis Artists for Change
• NAACP Memphis

Advocacy

• Black Business Association of Memphis
• Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum
• MLK 50
• Memphis Black Business Directory
• Buy 901

Arts

• Hattiloo Theater
• Memphis Black Arts Alliance
• Collage Dance Collective
• Memphis Slim Collaboratory

Historical Sites

Since Juneteenth is a national holiday, you won’t need to take time off work to enjoy one of these local landmarks. Here are some sites that honor Black history right here in Memphis:

• National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel
• Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum
• The Withers Collection
• Mason Temple
• Ida B. Wells Plaza and Statue
• I AM A MAN Plaza
• Stax Museum

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Pro tip: Take the historic Memphis trolleys to get you from site to site!

Sun Studio

Take a tour around Sun Studio, a legendary recording spot turned museum close to downtown. They call this place “The Birthplace of Rock N Roll” for good reason – many big names recorded some of their first hits here, like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, B.B. King, and more.

Memphis Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel

To learn more about Memphis’ civil rights history and Martin Luther King, Jr., plan a day at the Civil Rights Museum. This historical site goes in-depth into this city’s history and struggles for equal rights, and it also serves as a reminder of how much further we still have to go. You can also take a walk to the nearby I Am A Man Plaza. 

Graceland

The home of Elvis Presley is arguably one of the most famous homes in the country, and you can take a tour of his grounds, airplanes, and more when you visit. They’ve even recently expanded the area’s hotel, shops, and restaurants, so there’s no shortage of things to do here.

Beale Street

The landmark that inspired a song is Beale Street itself. This strip in downtown Memphis is full of shopping, dining, and more along with tons of history steeped right into it. You can also catch some amazing music and shows on this street where many big names have played before.

Stax Museum

Stax Museum is another musical landmark in this city that hosts tours and events. Originally Satellite Records, Stax became a recording studio and record shop that helped create acclaim for many notable greats like Otis Redding.

Memphis Zoo

The Memphis Zoo is one iconic site you won’t want to miss. It’s touted as one of the best zoos in the country, and with over 3500 animals to see, you can make a whole day of visiting this landmark. They’ve even got special events and exhibits, so check out their site to see what’s upcoming.

Memphis Museum of Science and History (Formerly Pink Palace)

The palace is still pink, but the name has changed to the Memphis Museum of Science and History, or MOSH. With a planetarium, nature center, and more, treat the family to an educational day that is anything but boring. 

The Peabody

You may have heard of the Peabody ducks, but this historic hotel is also known for its glitz and glamour in downtown Memphis. Visit for their delicious food, extravagant lodging, or yes, even to watch the ducks twice a day on their walk to the famous fountain.

Victorian Village

Not far from Sun Studio is Memphis’ Victorian Village, an enclave of 19th-century mansions, some of which have been converted into museums, such as the Woodruff-Fontaine House and Mallory-Neely House. You can also stay or dine at some of these houses, and this is perfect for the traveler looking to step back into the Victorian era.

Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum

The Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum is a historic home with a profound past. It allowed safe passage for many wishing to escape slavery in the South, and now it’s a museum with 19th-century artifacts and furnishings, and it gives a look inside the underground railroad in Memphis.

Image Courtesy of Slave Haven Underground Railroad’s Facebook

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1. The First European in Memphis

If you had to name the first European in Memphis, who would guess that person to be? This question is a bit tricky because your first guess is probably someone who was English, but that is not correct. And the French did not make it to what would become Memphis either (at least yet). No, Hernando de Soto of Spain was the first European to march into what would eventually be known as Memphis.

Of course, thanks to the Mississippi River, this area of the New World became especially important, which led to a number of skirmishes between the English, Spanish and French. And while this initial fighting happened around the region, the area also became the initial cultural melting pot Memphis would eventually become.

2. Second Largest Cargo Shipping Airport in the World

Atlanta is pretty well documented as having the largest airport in the world when it comes to passengers coming in and out of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. But when it comes to the most cargo coming and going, Atlanta doesn’t even make the top 20. However, Memphis is the second-largest mover of freight cargo in the world and the largest in North America. That means we have a lot of job opportunities in this sector here in Memphis.

Hong Kong International Airport is the largest, moving over 5.1 million metric tons of cargo in 2018. Memphis International Airport is second at 4.4 million metric tons. The next highest-performing U.S. airport? You’d probably never guess it, but it’s Anchorage Alaska (Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport) at 2.8 million metric tons.

Other U.S. airports to make the top 20 include those in Louisville, Los Angeles, Miami and Chicago.

3. When the Spanish Moved Out they Took their Fort with Them

Following the American Revolution and the United State’s claim to independence (which was backed by the French as the French wanted nothing more than to see their longtime rivals the British lose a valuable colony), other European nations didn’t simply pull up their stakes and move.

In fact, the Spanish remained in what would become modern-day Memphis until 1795, when they signed the Treaty of San Lorenzo (also known as Pinckney’s Treaty). Following the treaty, the Spanish pulled up their fort lumber log by lumber log and took everything with them.

4. Discovering Memphis Anew

Perhaps you didn’t know all of these interesting facts. Or maybe you’re a Memphis historical genius and you had all of these bookmarked in your brain already. However it went, there’s always something fantastic to learn about the city, which is what makes it so great. It also helps keep the city new and fresh.

To dig deeper into what makes Memphis the city it has become today, make sure to visit a branch of your local library and, of course, keep it right here with We Are Memphis.

You might also be interested in: Memphis Facts: Interesting facts about Memphis Tennessee

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Memphis Music

When people hear South Memphis, music is the first thing to come to mind. Our music history is second to none. Famous names coming out of South Memphis include Carla Thomas, Aretha Franklin, Maurice White, Booker T. Jones, Frank Stokes, Young Dolph, D’Army Bailey, Maxine Smith, Harold Ford, Jr., Benjamin Hooks, G.E. Patterson. Ranging from Sun Studio and Stax Records recording artists to up-and-coming stars, there is no shortage of talented artists springing up to inspire the next generation of Memphians. And of course, South Memphis is the former home of the King of Rock & Roll himself, Elvis Presley. 

But the South Memphis music scene is so much more than just Graceland and big names. It is an ever-evolving community of creativity and support. One fantastic example of programs to further the creative history of South Memphis is the Memphis Slim Collaboratory. The former home of the famed blues singer and pianist has been converted into a place where future generations of Soulville musicians and creatives can gather to collaborate and inspire one another. Other initiatives include the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Academy of Music, and the Memphis Black Arts Alliance. In short, South Memphis is a community that supports and celebrates its musical artists to the fullest.

Rooted in Education & Culture

South Memphis’s cultural history extends beyond its music. Our community has also built a strong educational system. LeMoyne-Owen College–with a fascinating history extending back to 1862 as an elementary school for freedmen and runaway slaves–has long acted as an academic hub for the community. Today, it serves as a four-year college, providing a quality liberal arts education to its students. 

Local high schools, including Whitehaven and Melrose, boast academic successes and state athletic championships. The Soulsville Charter School opened in 2005 serving grades 6 through 12. The Soulsville Charter School aims to provide preparation for both college and life through a music-rich and academically rigorous environment. To date, an outstanding 100% of graduating TSCS seniors have been accepted to two- and four-year colleges. 

Many South Memphis communities have a deep historical significance in their own right, separate from their many creative and academic achievements. Orange Mound was one of the very first neighborhoods in the country developed to encourage homeownership among African Americans. Former First Lady Michelle Obama designated Orange Mound as a “Preserve America” community, recognizing the neighborhood as one that preserves and celebrates its heritage.

From Boxtown to Riverside to Westwood to Whitehaven, every one of South Memphis’s neighborhoods has its own stories and history. South Memphis is home to artists, musicians, teachers, scholars, leaders, entrepreneurs, and world-changers. Throughout its complex history, a defining characteristic of South Memphis has been its strong community–a community that uplifts, creates, inspires. That sense of community continues today, ready to support the next generation of Memphians, whatever their endeavors.

You may also be interested in: Memphis History | African American History | History of Memphis TN

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Helping minority business owners thrive

Memphis has dedicated itself to helping minorities not only live out their dreams of opening up businesses but to assist them in taking their businesses to the next level. In fact, minority-owned businesses are thriving in Memphis unlike any other location in the country, and there are a number of programs behind the scenes helping to make this happen.

The Supplier Diversity Collaboration is designed to work with the heads of minority-owned businesses in making connections between buyers and sellers of products. And the more businesses that enroll into the collaboration process, the easier it becomes to work out beneficial deals for all parties involved.

Additionally, the Greater Memphis Chamber has a special MMBC Continuum program that is designed to help qualified women and individuals of color develop partnerships and network with larger corporations. One of the biggest struggles any small business has is obtaining favorable contracts with product and service providers. The Greater Memphis Chamber helps make this happen.

Developing a better workforce

A business is only as good as its employees, so having access to a better workforce is vital to the sustainability of a company. Businesses don’t simply go to one location over another because of the tax breaks. Businesses go to new cities based on the quality of the workers on hand, and it doesn’t matter what kind of tax break is available if the employees are unable to perform a given task. This is where the Greater Memphis Alliance for a Competitive Workforce comes in.

This program is designed to help identify gaps in skilled positions that potential employers are interested in. The program then goes out and trains local workers in these given skills in order to help produce the highest quality employee to fit the growing need of companies around the region.

Expanding transportation

With the growth of Memphis it has become important for the international airport to grow right along with it. Business executives need to be able to travel not only regionally, but to other major cities as they make pitches to possible clients. To help with this, Southwest Airlines recently announced it would start offering nonstop flights from Memphis to Atlanta, the busiest airport in the world. This not only makes it easier for professionals to travel to and from Memphis, but it also helps reduce the cost of travel, which means more money can be pumped back into the business.

You might also be interested in: 5 Memphis based startups to watch

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Making Money Magazine’s Top 100 list in 2007, it has become the ninth largest city in the State of Tennessee. There is plenty to see and do in Bartlett, TN, which offers a slower pace than the larger City of Memphis. Visitors and others to the area should make time to travel the 13 miles east to see what the area has in store.

What Bartlett, TN has to offer

Bartlett began as an agricultural area, containing many of the region’s major plantations. After the Civil War and incorporation as a city (along with the change in name), it remained a small farming community until the late 1960s. The city grew from a population of just over 500 in 1960 to double that in 1970, with rapid growth occurring from 1990 on.

The City of Bartlett provides a quiet respite for those who enjoy living and working in Memphis and Shelby County. It is close enough to the action but tucked away just far enough to offer a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Its growth was spurred by a desire to get away from the rapid urbanization taking place in Memphis while maintaining enough of a connection to the Bluff City.

Things to Do in Bartlett, TN

There is plenty to see and do in Bartlett, TN. Among the city-sponsored events are:

• Fireworks Extravaganza – held at the city’s Bobby K. Flaherty Municipal Center (located on Highway 70 and Appling Road), the event takes place on July 3rd as part of the city’s Fourth of July celebration. The event features presentation of the flag by the Bartlett Police Department, music, and of course, fireworks.
• Children’s Fishing Rodeo – Before the fireworks go off in July, the city holds its annual fishing rodeo for children 12 and under. It is held at the Municipal Center in June and is a great way for families and children to start the summer.
• Bartlett Festival, BBQ Contest & Car Show – September’s reserved for the city’s large family-friendly festival. It is held at the end of the month at W.J. Freeman Park (2629 Bartlett Blvd.), featuring a 5K run, food, music, and plenty of activities.
• Bartlett Christmas Parade – December 7 is the start of the Christmas season for Bartlett residents. The annual parade, kicking off at 4 pm, has two reviewing stages, at Elmore Park and Bartlett Boulevard and Bartlett Boulevard and Shelby Street.

You can link to the past and get a glimpse of what Memphis was like. Bartlett, TN is more than a unique suburban community; it is a growing place of interest for residents and visitors alike. Spending time in Bartlett gives you a different perspective of the greater Memphis area and a chance at seeing a good change of pace.

You may also be interested in: The Best Places to Take Pictures in Memphis

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Egypt

If you were to look at a map of the United States, you’d find numerous cities named after other cities around the world. Athens, Florence and Dublin are just a few of these cities. But did you know that Memphis is named after a historical city? It’s true. Memphis got its name from Memphis, Egypt, which has been abandoned since the seventh century and is located about 12 miles south of Giza. However, the city lost favor after the invasion of the Roman Empire. By the time the Byzantine and later the Coptic periods took place, the city had become a shell of its former glory. Eventually, conquering Arabs dismantled many of the stone temples of Memphis to help build a new capital in the region.

Foundation of Memphis

Like much of the region, before European settlers began to build a new city, Native Americans called the area home. It was an important trading center with its location on the Mississippi River. Eventually, European forts were constructed in the area to help increase trade. Memphis was founded in 1819 by Andrew Jackson, James Winchester (a brigadier general who served in both the American Revolution and the War of 1812) and John Overton.

Graceland

If you’re an Elvis fan, you may already know that Elvis Presley made Memphis his home after his family pulled up shop and moved from Tupelo, Mississippi, following World War II in 1948.

Music history

Memphis is one of the most important musical cities in the world. Music that went on to be known as rock ’n’ roll was first recorded at Sun Studio, which is just outside of downtown Memphis. (Of course, the term was coined by a Cleveland disc jockey, which is why the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is located in Cleveland, Ohio.)

Of the first 100 inductees into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 24 came from within a 100-mile radius of Memphis. Additionally, Memphis is mentioned in more songs (over 400, according to Billboard magazine) than any other city in the world.

Love parks

If you love the great outdoors, you will love Memphis. Despite being an urban city destination, it has one of the top urban park systems in the entire country, with over 7,000 acres of parkland.

Additional reading

Best reasons why visit Memphis!

We Are Memphis

Greater Memphis Chamber

Memphis, Egypt Wikipedia

You might also be interested in: Memphis Activities: Something for Everyone

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A new century of soul is not just a slogan; it is a call to all who live, love, and enjoy Memphis to play a part in shaping the next 100 years to come. The Memphis Bicentennial celebration is a chance for the city to show off its various development projects (e.g., Crosstown, One Beale, Central Station, Medical District, Methodist University Hospital, and St. Jude/The Pinch District). It brings together the business, arts, culinary, and scientific/research communities to celebrate everything uniquely Memphis and build on its progress toward bridging communities and working to create a unified Memphis.

200 years in the making

Founded on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River (hence its nickname the “Bluff City”), Memphis is the overlook into southwestern Tennessee, eastern Arkansas, and the northern part of Mississippi. It was founded on May 22, 1819, by, among its founders, General Andrew Jackson, who would go on ten years later and serve as the seventh President of the United States. The city has grown from an important center of trade for cotton, through immigration and post-war migration of free African-Americans, from around 40,000 residents in the 1860s to more than 1.3 million in 2017 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This makes Memphis the 42^nd largest city in the U.S. by population and an important center in the Mid-South region.

Two hundred years has transformed Memphis into a metropolitan area that hosts major colleges and universities, a professional basketball team, a minor-league baseball affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, and major corporations and research facilities such as FedEx and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Two hundred years has helped bring together different population groups and together they have formed a new century of soul for this growing metropolis.

Celebrating the Memphis Bicentennial

There are many events and activities planned around the Memphis Bicentennial Celebration. Each one is designed to pay tribute to the city’s past (all parts of it) and the important role Memphis has played in forming a nation. A look will be taken at the leaders in politics and civics, sports, entertainment and music, and the change-makers that are at the forefront of ushering in a new Memphis.

Thirty-eight distinct cultures make up Memphis. The Memphis in May International Festival looks to honor these cultures and their contribution to the city. Memphis Fashion Week in April will provide a platform for artists, models, designers, and stylists to show their work that is uniquely Memphis. The art of George Hunt and his commissioned work will be on display during the Art of Beale Street Music Festival, also in April. The music of Beale Street will also be played during the Beale Street Festival in May. Other events planned feature walking tours, a BBQ championship, concerts, and neighborhood-based activities. Plan to visit Memphis sometime in 2019 for its Bicentennial celebration and experience its true soul!

You might also be interested in: Memorial Day in Memphis: Virtual Ways to Honor Our Fallen Heroes

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With so many things to do in Memphis, trying to learn everything you can to plan that perfect vacation can be overwhelming. There are things you can do that will make this task lest daunting and help you make the most of your time.

Visit the Memphis Local Library

The Memphis Public Library is a library system of 18 branches with a circulation of 250,000 items, including books, maps and reference guides. It is the place to go for information about the city and learn all you can about things to do in Memphis. The library offers a tour of the wonderful, rich history of this river city. This tour can be the perfect starting point for learning and becoming familiar with the different parts of the city.

Take One of the Many Memphis Tours

Yes, tours of Memphis are designed more for tourists than locals. But if you’re new to the city, you won’t know much of the information these tours are providing. Going on varying tours will help educate you on important locations and activities in the city. From historic walking tours and ghost tours to food tours, taking a tour is a great way to spend a Saturday as you’ll learn something new about Memphis.

Stop by the Delta Fair & Music Festival

There are other great festivals in Memphis taking place throughout the year, but this just happens to be one of the bigger events in Memphis. Yes, many of the attractions will be taken down after the fair. However, the main benefit is all the food trucks and shops. Most of these are locally owned, which makes it easier to sample an array of food options. Tasting the different food and beverage selections at the festivals will help you discover which restaurants to visit later.

Meetup.com

Meetup.com is a website that connects individuals with similar interests in the same city. So whether you’re looking to join a book club, take dancing lessons, photograph the natural surroundings or connect with other people who like the Grateful Dead, there is a group for you. This will not only introduce you to new locations throughout the city, but it will help connect you with like-minded people. Meetup.com is a free website to use, but you will need to create an account with the site.

Visiting Memphis

One of the best ways to learn a city is to immerse yourself completely in its culture, the sights and its sound. You can do this by scheduling a guided tour of the city. A tour, whether on foot, by boat or in a bus, takes you to the different places of interest that make a visit to Memphis special. Your tour should include hot spots for dining and entertainment, historical sites and, of course, a visit to Elvis Presley’s home Graceland. Any way you go, it is another way to get to know Memphis, up-close and personal.

You can also talk with locals to find out their favorite spots as well as the events and activities that are happening in the city. Learn what you can about Memphis and take that knowledge for a ride in the city of great food, great music and great people!

You might also be interested in: Explore Memphis | Things to do in Memphis | Memphis Attactions

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This celebration, taking place on May 25th, promises to be one of the highlights of 2019 for those living and visiting Memphis. May is just around the corner, and it’s good to know what to expect as preparations are being made for what is a year-long celebration of the founding of the city. Here are some of the things that have taken place leading up to the big 200th birthday celebration and some of the things you should expect from the Memphis bicentennial celebration.

Events leading up to the May 22 celebration

This year-round celebration has focused on the history, culture, arts, music, sports and food that have all been a part of forming the city’s identity. It grew from a planned city on the banks of the Mississippi River to a fast-growing cultural and population center of 652,000 residents. The city has maintained many of its old traditions while embracing the advances and technologies of modern living to become the thriving metropolis that it is today.

Some of the events that have taken place or are going on prior to May 22 include those that celebrate every aspect of Memphis life. One example is the Pink Palace Family of Museum exhibit entitled, “Making Memphis: 200 Years of Community,” which celebrates the stories of the past, present and future of the city. Other events leading up to the big day include the 2019 Memphis in May International Festival Honors Memphis, a 42-year event celebrating the cultures of 38 countries in the world, and A Taste of Memphis culinary event scheduled in April.

What to expect from the May 22 Memphis bicentennial celebration

May 22, 2019 is a date you should mark on your calendar and make plans to be in the city for a celebration to end all celebrations. The Memphis bicentennial celebration is scheduled to be held as a limited-seating large gala with dinner and entertainment. All 200 years that have formed the history of the city will be celebrated. The event will serve as the kickoff for the city’s bicentennial summer.

Additional Reading

https://mem200.com/

https://www.memphisdailynews.com/news/2016/nov/15/citys-bicentennial-in-2019-prompts-memphis-30-plan-to-map-future/

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No discussion about American music can be complete without a discussion about Memphis. Memphis is, hands-down, home to much of what we know as modern American music. Soul, gospel, rhythm and blues, rock ‘n’ roll, and other genres of music all have their roots in the city. Three specific landmarks exist in the city as a tribute to Memphis music history heritage: the Blues Hall of Fame (421 S. Main Street); Rock and Soul Museum (191 Beale Street); and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, at 926 E. McLemore Avenue at the site of the original Stax Records.

The Memphis Music History is as old as the city itself. At the beginning of the last century, Memphis was a convergence of African-American commerce and culture. Traditional spirituals handed down from generations of enslaved blacks to free people became the foundation for the blues and artists like W.C. Handy. Handy is often called the “Father of the Blues,” having brought his band to Memphis in 1909 to play in the clubs on Beale Street to showcase this distinctive style of music.

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The genres (and artists) of Memphis Music

Memphis is host to many who have come through the city to play Beale Street or make their mark in “Bluff City.” Along with Handy and the blues came the introduction of the electric guitar in 1945 (after World War II) and with it, the advent of a newer form of music called rock ‘n’ roll. Carl Perkins, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash and others recorded tracks in the famous studios of Memphis and further solidified the city’s influence on the music of this country.

Sun Studio and Stax Records

 

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For 42 years, Memphis in May has brought the world to Memphis by saluting the cultures of 38 different countries. But this year, instead of saluting a country, Memphis in May will honor a city. A city with a rich heritage and colorful history. A city whose culture has impacted the world, and is poised for an even greater brighter, future. For 2019, Memphis in May’s annual salute will honor our hometown, the city of Memphis!

2019 will mark a momentous milestone for Memphis, and Memphis in May will join in celebrating our city’s 200th anniversary and welcoming the next 100 years to come. This is an opportunity to further elevate Memphis with our global reach sharing the history, culture, and vision of Memphis and Shelby County.

Memphis has changed the world and will continue to do so. We’re a city of doers, dreamers, and believers. We create, we invent, we experiment, and this year we invite the world to experience our beautiful home on the banks of the Mississippi River. The Bluff City, home of the blues, soul, and rock-n-roll. A city where grit and grind are more than our team’s slogans, they are who we are. Determined, passionate, authentic, soulful, and unstoppable.

A new theme, a new century

The bicentennial isn’t just a celebration of the last 200 years. It’s a celebration of the things to come. And there are a lot of things coming for the city. From billions of dollars in construction to new business partners and a growing economy, there is much to look forward to in the years to come.

That is why the theme for the celebration is “A New Century of Soul.”

Memphis has always been about its heart. From the very founding of the city to where it is today, the heart and soul of its citizens are the lifeblood, pumping new ideas from its core. A New Century of Soul is a celebration of exactly that.

Kicking it off

The bicentennial celebration is set to kick off on April 26. This begins a two-day festival in which those interested can take part in the world-famous Tennessee Whiskey Trail. At the main location of the festival, distillers from not just Memphis but around the state will come to show off their finest products. It’s an opportunity to experience some of the best American-produced spirits.

For those who are not whiskey enthusiasts, there will still be plenty of other activities to take part in on April 26 and 27.

May 22 is the official birthday of Memphis. The birthday will be hosted by the United Way Mid-South, and volunteers will come together on this day to provide aid to areas around Memphis. Whether it’s help cleaning up portions of the city or other donations, United Way wants to help Memphis residents beautify the city.

Now, everything comes to a head on May 25. This is geared to be the largest celebration the city of Memphis has every seen. More information on everything (and everyone) taking part on May 25th will come out as the date approaches. However, it will be hosted by Memphis in May and will take place in Tom Lee Park.

The beginning of the celebration will honor all the people and neighborhoods that have made Memphis what it is today.

Continuing the celebration

Of course, the bicentennial celebration is not just one day. It’s an entire year. It continues on for the Audacity Fest, which kicks off on September 27.

Then the official last day of the celebration (right before the winter holidays) is November 24, where Shelby County 200 and each municipality will come together to close out the ceremony and the year at Shelby Farms Park.

Join us as we celebrate what makes Memphis unique. From it’s iconic music to it’s contribution to global cuisine. We’ll salute our innovators and creators. The attractions and soulful spirit of Memphis that draws millions from around the world to our city.

To see more Memphis Bicentennial events click here!

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Tennessee’s second largest city shone in the New York Times this year when the publication ran “36 Hours in Memphis.” The article praised a number of innovative, adaptive reuse projects with colorful public art installations, the bike-share program that debuted in the spring, the charms of the Broad Avenue Arts District, and the world-class amenities at Shelby Farms, one of the nation’s largest urban parks.

CNN Travel named Memphis one of its “Five Great Places to Visit in May,” recommending late spring as a the perfect time to enjoy pleasant weather and the start of festival season with Memphis in May, the city’s month-long celebration of its unique music, food and culture. Other reasons to visit included Graceland; Beale Street; The Peabody Hotel’s parade of ducks; Sun Studio; Stax Museum of American Soul Music; Memphis Brooks Museum of Art: National Civil Rights Museum; and local hangout Jerry’s Sno Cones.

Thrillist named Memphis among its “Underrated Places to Visit in Winter,” when visitors can enjoy strolling down Beale Street on a chilly night and being drawn indoors by the sound of the blues, smell of smoky barbecue, and the opportunity for quiet, meaningful conversations with the friendly locals. Thrillist also named Memphis Zoo a must-see winter attraction, with its central tented skating rink, and recommend March visitors check out all the delicacies and deals offered during the city’s popular Black Restaurant Week.

And Frommers, looking ahead, named Memphis one of its “Best Places to go in 2019,” with the city taking its place among the top spots with Singapore, Bulgaria, French Polynesia and Australia’s Northern Territory.

“One of the best parties in the world will take place in Memphis in 2019,” said Frommer’s editorial director Pauline Frommer.  “As Memphis turns 200 during its bicentennial year, this is the perfect time to explore a city rich in music, history and culture, in addition to a flavorful culinary scene that offers more than just the Memphis-style barbecue that the city is already known for around the world.”

Tourism continues to grow in this city on the banks of the Mighty Mississippi. According to Memphis Tourism, Memphis welcomed a record 11.7 million visitors, whose economic impact totalled about $3 billion dollars.

“As we kick-off our bicentennial year, we look forward to welcoming the world to our city,” said Kevin Kane, president and CEO of Memphis Tourism.  

In rankings created with the input of top travel influencers from around the world, Travel Lemming, a popular blog dedicated to exploring the world’s emerging and inspirational travel destinations, named Memphis as one of North America’s Best Emerging Destinations for 2019. The article attributed the Bluff City’s travel boom to its robust nightlife scene and cited the Bluff City’s importance as the epicenter of many of America’s most culturally defining moments, from the Civil Rights Movement to the birth of Rock ‘n’ Roll.

To accommodate its growing number of travelers, Memphis is adding new hotels, with 13 now under construction or in the planning phases and an additional 2,000 new hotel rooms in the pipeline for Downtown, according to the Downtown Memphis Commission. And Memphis International Airport has embarked on a new plan to modernize the airport by adding moving walkways, wider corridors, larger boarding areas, higher ceilings and natural lighting.

But it’s not just tourists that continue to be drawn to Memphis. The city is attracting transplants drawn to its laid-back lifestyle, amenities, academic institutions, low cost of living, and business-friendly climate.

Memphis is growing as a destination for job-seekers. In fact, Glassdoor named Memphis one of its Best Cities for Jobs in 2018,  citing the ease of being hired, living affordability, and employee satisfaction.

Mimeo this year announced it will relocate to Memphis, investing $16 million and creating 300 local jobs. And Indigo Ag, a Boston-based agricultural technology company, chose Memphis as its new North American operations headquarters, which is expected to generate about 700 new jobs in the city over the next few years. This move could mean the addition of non-stop flights between Memphis and Boston.

Memphis is particularly attractive to entrepreneurs, thanks to its connectivity and an atmosphere that nurtures creativity and passion. Howmuch.net named the Bluff City as the nation’s number one boomtown for women entrepreneurs, stating that between 2007 and 2016, the number of women-owned businesses in the city rose from roughly 31,000 to just under 70,000 — the largest increase of any metropolitan area in the country.

Black Enterprise wrote that Memphis was the top U.S. city to open a Black-owned small business, and BlackTech Week reported Memphis topped the list of cities where black businesses are thriving and business owners feel supported by the community. Examples include dining concepts like Black Restaurant Week, artistic initiatives like Hattiloo Theatre, and innovative nonprofits like MentorMe and The Collective.

And looking at residential real estate investments, Rented.com named Memphis one of its best cities to buy a second home, noting the diverse rental market and low housing prices and real estate taxes.

The robust residential market was evident in 2018 proposals like Union Row, which would be Memphis largest mixed-use development ever, featuring apartments, shops,  restaurants, a hotel, office spaces and green spaces.

Speaking of mixed-use developments and green spaces, Crosstown Concourse, the $200 million transformed former Sears building, made the shortlist in the “New and Old” category at the 2018 World Architecture Awards in Amsterdam. Shelby Farms Park also made the shortlist. Its Heart of the Park makeover, which features a visitors center, restaurant, stage pavilion, boat-rental kiosk and more, was a contender in the “Civic and Community” category. Shelby Farms Park this year also earned a spot in the Family Attractions and Experiences category of the TripSavvy Editors’ Choice Awards.

Memphis continues to be recognized for its world-class hospitals, like St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats pediatric patients from around the world at no cost. St. Jude is developing Family Commons, a new treatment-free floor where patient families can relax, recover, and spend quiet time together. St. Jude also announced it will build a 3.5-acre green space for patients and families, featuring landscaped gardens, walking paths and a special playground designed for children with restricted mobility.

Also this year came the announcement that the FedEx St. Jude Invitational would join the World Golf Championships circuit, with Memphis welcoming its first World Golf Championships event in 2019. The PGA said fans can expect to be treated to a host of global superstars on the green.

Memphis is known for its love of basketball, and Penny Mania swept the city when Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway, a two-time All-American and four-time NBA All-Star, returned to his alma mater in the spring to coach the University of Memphis men’s basketball.

The 901 also welcomed a professional soccer club, Memphis 901 FC, a United Soccer League franchise that will begin playing at AutoZone Park in 2019.

Memphis continued to make its mark in film and television. Elvis’ historic home — one of the world’s most visited historic homes — served as the setting for Hallmark Channel’s “Christmas at Graceland,” as well as the Netflix film “Uncorked, which will be released next year. The barbecue-themed film stars Memphis celebrity chef and former Food Network host Gina Neely, Tony-winner Courtney B. Vance, and comedienne Niecy Nash.

The Food Network’s ongoing affection for Memphis’ culinary community continued in 2018 when the Food Network featured three Memphis food trucks — Stanley’s Sweet Street Treats, El Mero Taco, and Soi No. 9 —  on the series “Big Food Truck Tip with Andrew Zimmern.” The network also invited some Memphis BBQ pitmasters to appear on the popular show “Chopped” and named the Pucker Up Cake at Muddy’s Bake Shop the best cake in Tennessee on its “50 States of Cakes” list.

And Saveur Magazine ended 2018 in Memphis, where it hosted the 2018 Saveur Blog Awards. Finalists flew in from as far as West Africa, Switzerland, and India to share culinary knowledge, create recipes, and discover the city’s soul through its food and culture. The blogger awards were held in the historic Clayborn Temple — a perfect testament to a city where old meets new and where residents honor their history while looking forward to a bright future.

This New Year’s Eve, let’s raise a glass to this lively metropolis in honor of the Bluff City’s bicentennial.

You might also be interested in: 200 Years of Memphis History: Bicentennial Events and Activities

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Celebrities from Memphis include:

• Justin Timberlake, who was born in Memphis to Lynn and Randall Timberlake on Jan. 31, 1981. This former “Mickey Mouse Club” regular and Man of the Woods also has several films under his belt, including “Friends with Benefits” and the Oscar-winning “Trouble with the Curve.”
• Cybill Shepherd, who was born to a homemaker and a small business owner in Memphis. She modeled for major magazines and has been credited as both a movie and TV actress.
• Actor and Memphis native Chris Parnell, who took drama and auditioned for every play during his time at Germantown High School. When he was a senior at Germantown in 1985, he was voted “Most Talented” by his classmates.
• Ginnifer Goodwin, who got her start in west Tennessee and is best known for starring in the award-winning “Walk the Line,” a film about country music star Johnny Cash.
• Kathy Bates, who took her first breath in Memphis. Her role in “Fried Green Tomatoes” earned her a solid spot in the nation’s heart, and she has not looked back since.
• Memphis-born Lucy Hale, who is a budding country music star and renowned actress best known for her portrayal of goth-princess Aria on the TV show “Pretty Little Liars.”
• Morgan Freeman, who has grown into one of the most respected figures in modern American cinema. Morgan was born in Memphis to Mayme Edna Revere and Morgan Porterfield Freeman on June 1, 1937.

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The history of Memphis Central Station

Railroads played an important role in the growth of Memphis, which has served as a commercial hub for years.

The railroad transfer in Memphis was a key business transportation advantage among traders who loved the idea of using the train instead of steamboats or road-based transportation. The railroad grew popular during the era of the Civil War, and Memphis eventually became the first railroad junction to connect to Little Rock, Arkansas, which served as a crucial mode of transfer for many.

Grand Central Memphis was opened to the public in 1914. Its original name was changed to Memphis Central Station in 1944, by which point it was serving as a passenger terminal for railroad interstate transfers. Previously owned by the Illinois Central Railroad, the station is a registered passenger terminal of Amtrak and the MATA trolley system at present.

Visiting Memphis Central Station

If you’re interested in checking out this historic railroad station during your Tennessean vacation, you’ll find it on Patterson Boulevard in the Downtown Memphis area. After undergoing a massive makeover in 1998, the Memphis Central Station of today is a completely renovated and restored commercial and passenger hub.

Just a few steps from the Memphis Central Station is the Memphis Railroad and Trolley Museum, where you can spend hours exploring a variety of exhibits and learning more about the history of the railroad in the city. While most parts of the station have been modernized, the freight tunnel nestled some 300 yards beneath the station still looks the same as when it was built in the early 1900s, and visitors can explore this tunnel and its adjacent baggage room with a museum volunteer.

Beyond history, landmarks and museums, the area is also home to Memphis’ oldest eatery, the Greek-inspired Arcade Restaurant that has been serving its patrons since 1919. You can become its latest patron when you sit down for a hearty lunch and enjoy some classic favorites from the menu. Just a few minutes away, the Memphis Farmers Market offers shopping and dining opportunities for guests of all ages.

Next time you visit Memphis, be sure to visit this historic landmark that played a significant role in Memphis’ economic growth.

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Memphis’ largest maritime disaster occurred in 1865

On April 27, 1865, a steamboat known as the Sultana exploded just north of Memphis, killing more than 1800 of the union prisoners aboard who had just been released from Alabama and were headed to New Orleans. Despite having a capacity of just 376, the boat was holding more than 2,100 passengers, and the excess weight caused three of its boilers to explode. If you can’t believe you’ve never heard of this tragedy, here’s some historical context for you: It happened the same week as the assassination of President Lincoln.

Tom Lee Park is named for the hero of another steamboat disaster

You’ve probably heard of Tom Lee Park, but did you know that Tom Lee saved 32 passengers from a sinking steamboat on May 8, 1925? Lee, a river worker, saw the M.E. Norman capsize and rushed to assist the passengers. At 23 deaths, the loss of life was still significant, but Lee’s intervention prevented a far bigger tragedy.

Memphis was home to the South’s first African-American millionaire

Robert R. Church, also known as the South’s first African-American millionaire, developed his riches by purchasing real estate. After amassing his wealth, he paid it forward by opening the first black-owned business in Memphis—a bank that extended credit to black entrepreneurs and residents looking to build homes or establish businesses of their own. Church is also known for paying a $1,000 bond to restore the city’s charter. To honor his memory, modern-day Memphians can head to Robert Church Park, which is located adjacent to the FedEx Forum.

Memphis didn’t have parks until the late 1800s

The parks we know and love in today’s Memphis were created as part of the City Beautification Movement, a reform philosophy that took off in North America in the 1890s. Before then, Memphis was an agricultural city known for having the world’s largest market for spot cotton, hardwood lumber and mules. Today, Memphis is home to a wide array of green spaces—notably Shelby Farms Park, which is one of the 20 largest urban parks in the country.

A quartet of Memphis thoroughfares used to be named after the four seasons

Modern-day Memphis residents and frequent visitors to the Bluff City will probably be familiar with Summer Ave. and Autumn Ave., but did you know there used to be a Winter Ave. and a Spring Ave. to round out the set? The former is now known as Faxon Ave., while the latter’s current name is Forrest Ave. We bet you’ll remember this fun fact next time you’re driving in the city!

Memphis barbecue

Just about everyone loves some delicious Memphis barbecue. It has a rather unique and distinctive taste that is on the sweeter side. In general, at least in the United States, there are four basic barbecue styles: Memphis, Texas, North Carolina and Kansas City. So how did Memphis barbecue end up the way it is? The other three locations were forced to rely on local products to create the sauce. However, as Memphis was a prime shipping destination thanks to its location on the Mississippi River, chefs were able to pick and choose ingredients. This resulted in molasses becoming a cornerstone ingredient in what is now one of the top barbecue styles in the world.

Here come the blues

Blues music has seen an evolution over the decades (and even over the century). Blues music is often connected to cities like Memphis and Chicago. However, the song “Memphis Blues,” written and performed by W.C. Handy, became the first true commercially successful blues song. Nearly all other popular blues songs can thank “Memphis Blues” for setting the table.

Memphis Zoo

Not all zoos pop up because the city decided to start bringing in wild animals for display. The reason behind the city of Memphis’s zoo is a rather interesting one and one of the more unique Memphis facts you’ll hear. During the early days of baseball, most baseball teams used live mascots (while some college football teams still do, this is an extremely rare occurrence nowadays).

At the time, the city of Memphis had a team named the Memphis Turtles. Of course, despite this name, the live mascot it had was a bear (who had been given to the team by a wealthy businessman). However, as the team didn’t last long, the bear (by the name of Natch) was returned to the businessman. The individual didn’t want the bear, so he chained Natch to a tree in Overton Park. Other pets were eventually dumped at this location as well.

Instead of shipping the bear (and the other animals) off, Col. Robert Galloway, who was the head of the Parks Commission at the time, asked for funding for a zoo, which was

Sun Studios

Sun Studios is one of the most famous recording studios in the world (it’s also now a major tourist attraction). During the 1950s, Sun Studios would let anyone stop in and record a track for just $3.98. In 1953, a teenager from Mississippi who was driving through wanted to make a recording for his mom. So he recorded a track. Sam Phillips wasn’t impressed, but his secretary was. So, with her prompting, Sam Phillips called the teen back to record more. That was the very first time Elvis Presley recorded a track. Of course, he went on to become one of the biggest names in the history of music and a key person in Memphis history.

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Big River Crossing has never looked better. Another example of Memphian Adarryll Jackson‘s unbelievable photography skills. Follow @adarrylljacksonsr to be blown away by his ability to capture the soul of Memphis. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ——— : @adarrylljacksonsr ——– Want to be featured on our page? DM us! #BringYourSoul #WeAreMemphis

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Additional reading: Facts about Memphis you did not know about!

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Millennials are flocking to America’s cities in record numbers, but not all cities are created equal. Memphis was recently listed as one of the top cities to which millennials are moving, with its millennial population increasing 9.5% between 2010 and 2015. This trend doesn’t seem to be slowing down, so let’s take a minute to talk about what it is that makes Memphis so attractive to millennials.

Since arriving in the working world, millennials have left an indelible imprint. And in easy to access cities like Memphis, TN, millennials have found a home to grow, live and flourish. This is the story of Memphis and its millennials.

A city on the move

For Memphis entrepreneurs, Memphis is a resilient and hardworking place you quickly learn to call home. In particular, many young, sharp minds with dreams of running a successful business have been drawn to this little big town. In fact, Memphis was recently named one of the top destinations for millennials. Steeped in community and committed to making a difference, we are Memphis and we are a city on the move.

A generation on the move

The noise coming from the millennial generation simply can’t be ignored. Indeed, one study indicated that millennials might just be the most entrepreneurial generation in history. Given that Memphis is a mecca for creative, innovative and hungry young minds, it’s no wonder more than 200,000 millennials have found a home in Memphis.

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Memphis has been making great strides in encouraging people with big ideas to relocate here. Memphis provides a perfect environment for artists, creators, entrepreneurs and anyone with a dream of starting their own business. It’s certainly no coincidence that millennials have shown a thirst for leadership and have flocked to booming cities like Memphis.

Millennials experience success in Memphis

Also known as 3i Design Group, three(i) Creative Communications was founded by one young millennial in 2013. Since then, the organization has helped not one, but four candidates win their Memphis primaries this past election season!

This is just one example of how millennials are making an impact in Memphis. Together, millennial entrepreneurs are writing a new chapter of Memphis history, working with the city itself to grown and flourish. This is the story of Memphis and its millennials, and it is just starting to get good!

America’s largest small town

One of Memphis’ greatest strengths is its unique combination of big-city amenities and small-town charm. It has the cultural diversity and economic opportunities of a city, along with a tight-knit community and low cost of living typical of a much smaller municipality. This unique combination isn’t lost on the many new residents who are calling Memphis home.

Of course, it also doesn’t hurt that Memphis has been making great strides in encouraging people with big ideas to relocate here. Memphis provides a perfect environment for artists, creators, entrepreneurs and anyone with a dream of starting their own business. It’s certainly no coincidence that recent studies have shown millennials to be possibly the most entrepreneurial generation in American history.

There are currently more than 200,500 millennials making their home in Memphis, and more arrive all the time. But what’s really interesting is why Memphis is growing in popularity among the millennial generation.

Why Memphis?

Apartment searching site Abodo recently published a survey of 2,000 millennials born between 1982 and 1998 to determine what they look for in a city. Turns out that a lot of the qualities they seek are among Memphis’ biggest strengths.

1. A thriving job market: This is the No. 1 thing that surveyed millennials said they look for in a city, and Memphis delivers. In addition to the fact that several major corporations have branches or headquarters here—FedEx alone employs about 30,000 people in the area—Memphis has become a great place to not only get a job, but also start a business. In fact, CNN recently ranked Memphis among America’s best cities to launch a startup.
2. Affordable housing: Memphis routinely ranks among the U.S. cities with the lowest cost of living, with home prices and average monthly rent well below the national average. Indeed, CBS News recently listed Memphis among the 10 cheapest places to live in the country.
3. Parks and hiking trails: Many millennials stated that living in a city with lots of green space is absolutely essential. Memphis has that covered, from the Old Forest State Natural Area located just a mile outside of town to the vast outdoor playground of Shelby Farms Park.

Other qualities that ranked highly in the survey include increasing walkability, a revitalized downtown, music venues, a thriving creative class, local restaurants and coffee shops. Needless to say, these are all things you’ll find in Memphis.

Perhaps most importantly of all, Memphis is a place that encourages creativity and rewards hard work—qualities that the millennial generation has in abundance. Our city is known for its rich history, diverse culture, growing arts scene and business-friendly attitude, so it’s no surprise that it’s becoming a home for people who value those very same things. If you’re one of them, we look forward to meeting you!

(Additional reading and source information):

*One study reported that the millennials are challenging to become the most entrepreneurial generations in our history.

*200,000 millennials who have found a home in Memphis

 *three(i) Creative Communications 

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“Memphis Heritage Trail will be another great addition to our city as we educate and celebrate our rich cultural history,” the mayor said, and you’ll get no argument from us! The trail and the simultaneously-launched Memphis Heritage Trail app make it easier than ever to find historically significant and culturally rich sites in Memphis—of which there are many.

Heritage and history

One of the greatest (and most overdue) accomplishments of the Memphis Heritage Trail is the fact that it highlights African-American history and achievement. From the National Civil Rights Museum and the Blues Hall of Fame to the Clayborn Temple and the historic Mulberry Street shotgun houses, examples of the city’s African-American history are at the heart of the Memphis Heritage Trail.

The trail is a great way for Memphians to connect with our shared history, but it’s also more than that. This ongoing revitalization project will renovate existing structures and attract tourists to the area, all while revitalizing historically rich yet often-underserved parts of the city. As Felicia Harris, manager of planning and development for the trail, explained, “It’s about educating our future, our children, and our residents and our visitors alike about all the beautiful assets that Memphis has to offer.”

Exploring the trail

To start exploring the Memphis Heritage Trail, be sure to download the app, which makes it easy to find your way to historic sites across the city. There’s also an online map on the trail’s official website and, for those who are less technologically inclined, a printable driving brochure is available as well. After you set off, you’ll see wayfinding signage, beacon technology, art installations and historical markers along the trail, many of which provide historical information in addition to pointing the way.

Keep in mind that the Memphis Heritage Trail is a work in progress with two of the four planned trail loops currently open. The Civil Rights Loop and the Entertainment Loop are each about 2 miles long and include nearly 30 historic sites. Of course, there are many more miles and sites to come as progress on the trail continues.

To learn more about the Memphis Heritage Trail, download the app today and start exploring! The trail offers everyone from visiting tourists to longtime Memphis residents the chance to connect with the city’s rich cultural history in a deeper way than ever before.

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The purpose of the strike was to take a stand in favor of higher wages and better working conditions. When Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his fateful journey to Memphis, he came to support the striking workers in their efforts. As we commemorate 50 years since Dr. King was assassinated, it’s important to remember how far the struggle has come and how far we have yet to go.

On April 5th, one day after the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, the city of Memphis unveiled it’s I AM A Man Plaza. A crowd of over 200 people came to take part in this historic event to reflect on honor the cost of justice. Boarding the plaza is a marble wall with the names of the 1,300 sanitation workers who participated in the strike. It is a site to behold that is both beautiful and tells the story of Memphis’ past

As a joint undertaking by the city and the UrbanArt Commission, the project was led locally by Memphis landscape artist John Jackson, with artwork by Garten Studios of California. Local poet and spoken word artist Steve Fox authored the text to be etched into the stone monument that is also part of the plaza. The total cost of the installation was around $1.5 million, with $700,000 of that provided by grants and donations.

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McKissick, now age 79, is a Memphian through and through. A native of North Memphis, she graduated from Douglass High School and received her teacher training through her years studying at historically black LeMoyne-Owen College and the University of Memphis, then known as Memphis State.

Like McKissick’s teaching career, Georgia Avenue, which closed several years ago, was brand new in 1960. McKissick, who comes from a family of teachers, entered the classroom with tremendous enthusiasm and passion for education.

But she also felt a strong sense of duty to nurture and provide a safe space for the children entrusted to her care each day, particularly during a time of tremendous upheaval in Memphis.

In 1968, when Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. traveled to Memphis to support the sanitation workers’ struggle for equal pay and safer working conditions, McKissick was teaching at Lincoln Junior High, located in an impoverished African American community.  All 800 students at the school were black, as were all faculty members, except for four white teachers.

“The kids did know, in a sense, what was happening, but they weren’t as aware because they didn’t have television — we didn’t have that much news,” said McKissick, who taught at Lincoln for 14 years. “There was not a lot of discussion around it, but we knew something was going to happen for the sanitation workers.”

McKissick had first-hand insight into developments in the community because of her father’s involvement in the civil rights movement.

“He wanted us to be part of the movement, as he was when he was a Firestone worker,” she said. “We watched him create changes there at Firestone. He’s the one who integrated the cafeteria there.” There were eight kids in my family, and we were aware of the struggles – the segregation and everything that was going on, maybe more so than other young people because of our dad.”

McKissick said civil unrest spread throughout the community, and the NAACP began organizing Black Monday boycotts against Memphis City Schools. Students and teachers throughout the city protested inequality in the classroom by boycotting schools on Mondays, and black workers from various sectors across the city joined them in a show of solidarity.

“We started to have turmoil throughout the communities,” she said. “On Black Mondays, teachers and staff members were encouraged to stay away from school to honor what was going on at that time.”

McKissick, however, remained at Lincoln on Mondays for children who needed a safe space.

“I did not stay away,” she said. “I would go to school but still honor what was going on…I felt I needed to be at school with my kids because I knew they were fearful, and they felt safe at school. Our school didn’t have many kids who were absent during those turbulent times because a lot of our teachers were at school. It was scary, but we assured them we were there to keep them safe.”

On April 4, 1968, McKissick learned through a radio broadcast that Dr. King had been assassinated at the Lorraine Motel.

“We were stunned that it happened,” she said. “The children had questions about why it happened and what was going on, and we tried to get them to understand that things were changing, as Dr. King had talked about in his speeches. Change had to come, but he wanted things to be peaceful. And we told them we wanted everything to be peaceful at school.”

During her 58 years in Memphis’ public schools, McKissick has witnessed more change than any other educator in the city – from segregation to integration to re-segregation.

“Things have changed quite a bit — from bussing kids from their communities to other places in an attempt to bring about some equality in education so they can all be prepared for the future. For some it worked well, while others found themselves back in their previous situation, in the re-segregation of schools, because many white kids did not attend those schools.”

Today, McKissick is principal of Avon Lenox High School, where she works with young adults with special needs.

“I love what I do and believe I made a difference in the lives of a lot of kids. I would say to young educators that there is hope. We have a lot of work to do. It’s our responsibility to prepare our children.”

You may also be interested in: 3 Young Civic Leaders Cultivating an Ecosystem of Impact in Memphis

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Wednesday, April 4, will be a day of remembrance across the city. During the black sanitation workers’ movement, there was a call for change that needed a voice, and Dr. King provided it. Ultimately, he gave his life in service to our community. Although we will remember what came before, April 4 will also be a day of looking forward.

At 10 a.m., a daylong celebration of Dr. King’s legacy will begin on the Main Stage in the museum courtyard at the National Civil Rights Museum, featuring music, dance and spoken word performances. Admission is free and the event is open to the public.

Also on April 4, an anniversary ceremony will be held from the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Wreath-laying, music and spoken word performances, and an ecumenical liturgy will lead up to the time at which Dr. King was shot—6:01 p.m. At this point, a bell will toll to mark the exact passing of 50 years since that fateful day. Across the nation, the bells of schools, churches, and colleges will ring 39 times—once for each year of Dr. King’s life. 

Following the bell toll, MLK50 will conclude with An Evening of Storytelling, with veterans from the front lines of the fight for civil rights both yesterday and today taking the stage at the Crosstown Concourse to reflect upon the fight up to this point as well as what lies ahead. The evening will focus on the main question of MLK50—”Where do we go from here?”—with a moderated discussion, music, and dance to celebrate Dr. King and what he continues to mean to the city of Memphis.

For more information on all scheduled activities for the April 4 commemoration, check out the MLK50 website.

You might also be interested in: Issues and Innovators: The Way Forward in Memphis

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Building Foundations

The lack of access to healthcare in Tennessee was exacerbated when the Tennessee legislature chose not to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Healthcare Act in 2015.  In Memphis, however, local organization Church Health has helped fill the void for those who work but have no insurance. This extensive health operation provides care, extends compassion and provides resources to 70,000 workers and their families across the community.

Since its inception in 1987, Church Health has been committed to healing bodies and spirits, so people can enjoy the full richness of life.  Distinguished by a commitment to whole-body health and compassion, what began as a small medical clinic located in a house in Midtown Memphis gradually grew to a comprehensive operation occupying thirteen facilities.

In 2017, Church Health consolidated its facilities under one roof, relocating to Crosstown Concourse, a redeveloped Sears distribution center. As the anchor tenant, Church Health provides high-quality, affordable medical care, dental care, eye care, behavioral health services, nutrition programs, physical therapy, wellness and children’s programs. Church Health works closely with the 42 dynamic entities within Crosstown Concourse that focus on health, education, and the arts, sharing in a commitment to be “better together.”

Church Health employs 20 medical providers and engages 1,000 volunteer physicians.  Primary care services are offered onsite while sub-specialist physicians care for patients in their offices and in hospitals without charging patients. In addition, diagnostic services and in-patient hospitalization are offered to Church Health patients, who will not incur any cost for care.

Their services are offered without relying on federal funding. Memphis ranks as one of the most charitable cities in America, and the work of Church Health reflects the incredible generosity present in this city.

Church Health’s approach to healthcare centers on a belief that health is not about the absence of disease, but instead, it is about helping others live a wholesome life. Church Health has developed a Model for Healthy Living, which asserts that there are seven elements that are equally important for a healthy life and must be in balance: movement, nutrition, work, faith, family and friends, emotions, and medical care. The Church Health programming and services are driven by the understanding of these elements.

Wholesome Living

Nutritional programs are facilitated in partnership with the Goldring Center for Culinary Medicine at Tulane University, emphasizing the concept that “food is medicine.” Both healthcare providers and students are trained to understand the significance of balanced nutrition through courses aimed to build the skills and confidence to educate patients about food selection, preparation, and consumption.

Church Health’s dental program focuses on restoring patients’ smiles, oral health, and emotional well-being. Frequently, restored dental health leads to a patient’s improved sense of self-worth and ultimately to a higher-paying job offering health insurance.

A family medicine residency is housed at Church Health in partnership with the Baptist Memorial Health Care Family Medicine Program. The three-year training program attracts young physicians who want to serve the underserved, understand spiritual well-being, and care for patients through prevention and a whole-person approach.  The desire to learn in this environment is stunning: the most recent class of residents was selected from an applicant pool of 1,800.

Community Impact

In addition, Church Health runs Perea Pre-School in a neighborhood north of Crosstown Concourse and the organization will open an elementary school in 2018.   A charter high school will open this fall in the Crosstown Concourse. Following these openings, the teachers and young doctors will work in concert to care for families from birth through high school graduation.

Crosstown Concourse is the sixth former Sears distribution center to have been fully renovated, following successful efforts in Seattle, Minneapolis, Dallas, Boston, and Atlanta.  The Memphis endeavor, however, was directly inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King’s notion of creating “a beloved community” by working collaboratively to serve the city.

As a result, the culmination of the events commemorating Dr. King’s life and legacy and marking fifty years since his assassination will take place at Crosstown Concourse the evening of April 4^th.  While this will be a night to remember Dr. King, it will present an opportunity for Memphis to look around and see what is possible when a community has faith, shares vision, persists, and comes together in efforts to follow his dream.

You might also be interested in: 50th anniversary commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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Where do we go from here?

The MLK50 symposium, ” Where do we go from here?” is part of a full slate of events happening this spring to mark the occasion of Dr. King’s assassination at the Lorraine Hotel on April 4, 1968. The Lorraine Hotel is now the home of the National Civil Rights Museum.

The University of Memphis Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law and the National Civil Rights Museum will host the symposium at the Peabody Hotel, two days before the 50th anniversary of his death. The event will bring together nationally renowned scholars, historians, thought leaders and other veterans of the movement’s front lines to discuss how far we’ve come since that fateful April day, and where the future of the civil rights movement is headed as we continue the fight for equality and justice.

Scheduled to appear

Former United States Attorney General Eric Holder will be the keynote speaker at the symposium. Holder served as the United States Attorney General from 2009 to 2015, before becoming a partner at Covington and Burling. He’ll be joined by other important voices on the topic of the legal accomplishments, hurdles, and challenges that the movement faces as they relate to Dr. King’s enduring vision. Holder will be joined by a number of other panelists, including:

• Mark Osler
• Toussaint Losier
• Roy Austin
• Tracey Maclin
• Dayne Matthew
• Debo Adegbile
• Rick Hasen
• Pamala Karlan
• Sherrilyn Ifill
• Dorothy Brown
• Tomiko Brown-Nagin
• Dorothy Roberts
• Claude Steele
• Beverly Tatum
• Charles McKinney
• Cornell Brooks

Symposium Details

Panels will include Criminal Justice, Voting Rights, Confronting Persistent Poverty and 21st Century Activism. Topics covered will include housing, education, voting rights, equal opportunity employment and the criminal justice system, and how they affect the rights we still fight for.

Registration and check-in will start at 8am on April 2, followed by opening remarks at 8:45am. The day will wrap up by 5pm with concluding remarks. The panel sessions of the symposium will be held in the Continental Ballroom of the Peabody Hotel, while the keynote luncheon will be held in the Grand Ballroom.

You can find a full schedule of events for the MLK50 remembrance on the events page of the MLK50 website.

You might also be interested in: Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis

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A good long walk

Participants in the 50 Mile March to Memphis will be walking to raise awareness and build a new sense of community along the way. Much like the black sanitation workers in 1968, these young men will walk with a higher sense of purpose.

The PEARSON Foundation is organizing the walkers, an interracial group of boys aged 14 to 19. PEARSON, which stands for People Employing Available Resources to Strengthen Our Neighborhood, takes part in faith-based mentoring and community service rooted in a desire to teach participants about civil rights, justice and healthy race relations.

Building a community

Along the route, the group will be lodging at schools and churches, taking part in community meetings while in host cities to ensure they share and learn along the way.

The group will arrive in Memphis on April 4 to join a much larger march in commemoration of 50 years since the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., which will end at the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Hotel—the site of Dr. King’s assassination.

Drawing inspiration from those who have come before

As with the black sanitation workers in 1968, the theme of “I am a Man” will be prominent among participants in the 50 Mile March to Memphis, and issues of adulthood and manhood will be topics of discussion. The group will receive a police escort along the entire route, and will not be walking in protest, but instead to honor Dr. King and express hope for the future.

The PEARSON Foundation is based in Pearl, Mississippi, and the group of boys participating will be composed of members of PEARSON’s educational programs as well as their peers from local schools. The group has its own Facebook page, and will be tracking its progress each day so families and friends can stay updated.

With historical events as a backdrop, the 50 Mile March to Memphis will look at what Dr. King stood for 50 years ago and examine how those ideals can be applied today.

You. might also be interested in: MLK50: A Symposium on the Continuing Fight for Justice and Equality

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