The post Dive Into the History of Memphis Before You Visit appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>Civil War
Whenever you visit this area of the country, it is always a good idea to have some understanding of the Civil War. Tennessee did secede from the United States in June 1861. At that time, the city of Memphis became a major defensive position for the Confederate States Army. However, within a year the Union Army took control of the city and held it for the remainder of the war.
Civil Rights Movement
Throughout the 1960s, Memphis became the center of the civil rights movement. Because of a number of segregation practices, the city swelled with a large population of African Americans. Martin Luther King Jr. spent much of his time here and was later assassinated at his hotel in April 1968.
Music History
Some of the most renown musicians in American history either grew up and moved out of Memphis or remained and helped to grow the music culture. Some musicians did end up moving north, partly because of the segregation taking place in the city, and they ended up planting roots in other locations such as Chicago, Detroit and New York City. However, Memphis played a strong role in the development of these musicians. Some of the top musicians to come out of the city includes Elvis Presley, B.B. King, Isaac Hayes, Booker T. Jones, Muddy Waters, Justin Timberlake, and Three 6 Mafia.
These are just a few of the important dates and events in the history of Memphis you should learn about prior to visiting the city. Now, there’s nothing wrong with reading further and diving into other bits of Memphis history. If there are aspects of history you find more interesting, by all means, read up on them prior to your visit. It will make the time you spend in the city that much more enjoyable. By educating yourself beforehand, you’ll be able to live through many of these important historical events when you arrive.
Additional Reading:
The post Dive Into the History of Memphis Before You Visit appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post Facts about Memphis you did not know about! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>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
The post Facts about Memphis you did not know about! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post 7 celebrities you didn’t know were from Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>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.
Additional reading:
https://www.imdb.com/list/ls003267972/
Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?
Follow our Instagram page below!
View this post on Instagram
The post 7 celebrities you didn’t know were from Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post History facts about Memphis that we bet you didn’t know appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>- 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!
Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?
Follow our Instagram page below!
The post History facts about Memphis that we bet you didn’t know appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post 14 Things that came from Memphis! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>1) Rock ‘n’ roll
Can you imagine life without rock ‘n’ roll? Elvis and Johnny Cash are just a couple of the Memphis musicians who pioneered this unique music genre—and many of them got their start at the legendary Sun Studio and Stax Records right here in Memphis.
2) Jazz, soul and R&B
Beyond rock ‘n’ roll, Memphis is famous for a host of other musical genres, including jazz, soul and R&B. There’s no better place to enjoy some local tunes than Beale Street, a vibrant thoroughfare lined with bars, clubs and restaurants that also plays host to a wide variety of concerts and music festivals throughout the year.
3) Self-service grocery stores
The first self-service grocery store quickly became a hit after its Memphis debut—so much so that the chain has grown in number to encompass more than 500 stores today. It may be hard to imagine now, but there was a time when consumers were supposed to hand their order lists to grocery store clerks who would select their products for them. Thank goodness Piggly Wiggly founder Clarence Saunders was around to revolutionize the shopping experience!
4) Unisex hair salons
Nowadays, we take unisex hair salons for granted, but when Sam Ross introduced the concept, it was unthinkable to imagine men and women getting their hair cut at the same establishment. Needless to say, the idea took off.
5) Overnight delivery
Headquartered in Memphis, FedEx changed the delivery game by getting packages from A to B overnight. Anyone who’s ever left their belongings in another city or forgotten a loved one’s birthday is surely thankful for this particular innovation!
6) Budget-friendly hotels
Before he became the founder of Holiday Inn, Kemmons Wilson had a series of disappointing lodging experiences while on a family road trip. After he recognized a market dearth of comfortable yet affordable lodging, he decided to change the game himself. Today, Holiday Inn is one of the largest hotel chains in the world.
7) Bottled soda
Before two lawyers from Tennessee had the great idea to bottle Coca-Cola, people had to go to soda fountains to get their fix. The next time you’re enjoying a bottle of soda, remember you have Memphis to thank!
8) The Modern Grocery Store
You can thank Clarence Saunders for the introduction of the first self-service grocery store. On Sept. 6, 1916 he opened Piggly Wiggly® in Memphis, but with a completely unheard of concept. It was the first time that shoppers could walk grocery aisles on their own and find items to purchase. This broke the traditional shopping mold in which shoppers presented their lists to clerks, who gathered the goods for customers. Saunders noticed this was time consuming and devised the solution that revolutionized shopping.
9) Morgan Freeman
Blockbuster films like “Driving Miss Daisy,” “Bruce Almighty” and even “Lego Movie” wouldn’t be the same without the uber talented Morgan Freeman. The acting legend who continues to make his mark on Hollywood claims Memphis as his birthplace. He was born here June 1, 1937.
10) Justin Timberlake
Speaking of uber talented, Memphis, TN is the birthplace of yet another celebrity. On Jan. 31, 1981, Justin Timberlake was born in this fair city. Since then he’s gone on to be a musical and comedic powerhouse, also delving into movies.
11) Kathy Bates
That’s not all, by a long shot. Celebrated actress Kathy Bates was born in Memphis on June 8, 1948. Her work on “Misery” “Titanic,” and “American Horror Story” are among the numerous roles that earned her to earn Bates critical acclaim.
12) Aretha Franklin
Memphis is also the birthplace of the undisputed Queen of Soul. Aretha Franklin, who demands “R-E-S-P-E-C-T,” was born here March 25, 1942. She went on to dominate the international music scene with her unmistakable voice.
13) The VeinViewer
The VeinViewer was invented in Memphis by Luminetx Technology Corp. The device uses a pulse of infrared light to provide a sort of X-ray of hemoglobin in veins. This allows healthcare workers to be more precise with drawing blood or administering medication.
14) Typewriter Ribbon
Although electronic devices have taken over, some people still love the sound and feel of using a typewriter. Part of what makes it work is the typewriter ribbon, which was invented by George K. Anderson of Memphis, TN. In 1886, he patented the device.
Looking for more stories on what makes Memphis great?
Follow our Instagram page below!
The post 14 Things that came from Memphis! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post The absolute best places to take pictures in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>Memphis is an amateur photographer’s dream come true. Majestic river vistas and a downtown bathed in neon lights make striking backdrops for selfies, quick-action pictures and panoramic photos alike. While the whole town is photogenic, there are certain landmarks that really show off our good side. And, frankly, they make taking pictures an absolute dream.
If you haven’t discovered them yet, here are 10 spots that lend themselves well to a camera lens. (And just for fun, we’ve included a few bonus spots as well!)
Wolf River Greenway
Although you may not associate Memphis with greenery, there’s plenty of nature to be found throughout the Bluff City. One of the best ways to get a view of our softer side is to visit the Wolf River Greenway, which features more than 36 miles of trails and connects the communities bordering the bottomlands, hardwood forest and wetland areas around its namesake river.
(Humphreys Blvd. between Walnut Grove and Shady Grove)
Shelby Farms
Not far from the Wolf River Greenway, Shelby Farms Park might be the best location for playground photos in the South. But don’t just take our word for it — the Woodland Conservancy Park was named one of the “16 Best Playgrounds in the World” by Mental Floss magazine. What’s more, the surrounding woods, lakes, and wetlands offer myriad opportunities to catch some additional nature shots. The key word when it comes to Shelby Farms: variety. One photoshoot here can make it look like you visited several locations.
(500 North Pine Lake Drive, Memphis, TN 38134)
Heart Bridge Crosstown
Memphis is a city filled with beautiful murals by extremely talented artists. Take this one, for example. (Though the question really should be, who doesn’t love Memphis?) Check out the highly appealing “I love Memphis” mural at Heart Bridge Crosstown. The mural is big in size and is great for a group shot with your friends. Just be sure to #BringYourSoul when you go!
Location: 419 N. Watkins Street
Mud Island River Park
River views and city views? Yes, please! Mud Island blends urban surroundings with natural features in a major way. With the Memphis skyline on one side and the Mississippi River on the other, you can’t screw up a scenic shot here! Don’t forget to check out the scale model of the Lower Mississippi River while you’re in the area. The pavilion on-site once hosted the Memphis Belle.
(125 North Front Street)
South Main Arts District
If you prefer your urban scenes with historical context, the South Main Arts District makes an excellent canvas. Public art pieces and city landmarks like the National Civil Rights Hall of Fame will bring a depth to your photos that’s hard to ignore. This location is perfect if you’re looking for unique-to-the-city backdrops that resemble giant art pieces or cool, old school architecture. If you take photos here, you really will create one-of-a-kind art that drips with Memphis magic.
(South Main St. and G.E. Patterson)
Elmwood Cemetery
It may seem odd or even a little morbid at first, since photographing at a cemetery isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but this really is one of the most photographic spots in Memphis. Hint: It’s really incredible in the fall. If it sounds right up your alley, Elmwood Cemetery’s unique grave markers and numerous sculptures give off a picturesque serenity you won’t want to miss. The fact that the grounds are also home to a bird sanctuary and an arboretum brings even more beauty to the peaceful surroundings. Come spend some time in one of the most unlikely yet creative spots around (but, maybe make sure you come during daylight hours)!
(824 S. Dudley Street, Memphis, TN 38104)
Overton Park
Located in midtown Memphis, Overton Park offers a huge band-shell amphitheater, an old-growth forest and a zoo — not to mention the Brooks Museum of Art and a quirky mid-century building. Of course, there’s plenty of regular old park space and wide-open fields where you can shoot photos as well. The sky is literally the limit when it comes to taking unique photos here.
(Midtown Memphis, between Poplar, North Parkway and East Parkway)
Summer Avenue
Summer Avenue is one of those great all-American streets. For a glimpse into Memphis’ past, look no further than Summer Avenue’s 6 miles of antique stores and thrift shops. Don’t miss the drive-in theater and mom-and-pop restaurants along the way!
Metal Museum
High on a bluff that overlooks the sweeping Mississippi River stands a large, beautiful home that was once the site of an old military hospital. Just as its name suggests, the Metal Museum is dedicated to the art and craft of fine metalwork, and the remarkable works of art on the premises lend themselves well to being captured on film. Keep in mind that it’s free to enter the grounds during the times when the museum is open to the public. That said, there’s a fee to take professional photos on the grounds. Keep that in mind before bringing people with you.
(374 Metal Museum Drive, Memphis, Tenn.)
Hu. Hotel
Once called the Madison Hotel, this well-known photography spot is now known as the Hu. Hotel. Thankfully, the name change has done nothing to diminish its beautiful views. Just steps from Beale Street, the Orpheum and the FedEx Forum, the Hu. Hotel Rooftop presents breathtaking views of the Memphis city skyline. If you’re seeking somewhere to plan your next photography stop and get inspired while you’re at it, drop by the rooftop.
(79 Madison Ave., Memphis, Tenn.)
Although the landmarks outlined above provide a solid starting point, there are dozens more just waiting to be discovered. Everywhere you look in Memphis, you’ll find beauty ready to be captured. Here are a few bonus spots to add to your must-visit list:
Big River Crossing
Nearly one mile in length, this bridge is the longest public pedestrian bridge crossing the Mississippi. And its views are as spectacular as you might imagine. Day or night, this stunning pedestrian bridge across the Mississippi River offers some of the best photo ops in town. Head out on Big River Crossing during daylight hours for an unparalleled view of the Memphis skyline, the bluffs and the river itself. At night, the bridge is brilliantly lit up, which makes it the perfect spot for a memorable selfie.
Beale Street
One of America’s most iconic thoroughfares, Beale Street offers endless chances to indulge your inner shutterbug. Whether you’re interested in people-watching, photographing historic buildings, capturing some energetic live music shots or getting a selfie with the Elvis statue, you’ll never run out of pictures to take. Beale Street offers three blocks of restaurants, shops and nightclubs bursting with photographic possibilities. The whole district is a melting pot of culture, color and creativity. The biggest problem? — you might never want to leave.
The Memphis Pyramid
Since reopening in 2015, Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid in Memphis has become a major tourist spot and not just because it’s a premier destination for shopping and dining. The Pyramid is one of the city’s most unique and photogenic structures, and getting a great shot of it can be challenging but rewarding. Plus, the outdoor observation deck near the top offers an impressive view of the Memphis skyline.
“Hope Will Lead Us There” Mural
Memphis has no shortage of jaw-dropping street art, and a tour of the city’s murals provides seemingly endless fodder for photographers. One of our favorite pieces is the relatively new “Hope Will Lead Us There” mural, which is located on the back side of Streets Ministries on Pontotoc Avenue. The work of artist Erin Williams, this mural is big enough for a memorable group shot with an uplifting message.
The Peabody Hotel
A stunning, historic hotel that first opened its doors in 1869, the Peabody checks off a lot of photographic boxes. Photo ops abound in the interior, which is home to some of the most incredible architecture in the city. The Peabody Hotel’s iconic red rooftop sign is itself a mainstay, whether you photograph it from elsewhere in the city or while on the roof of the hotel itself. And if you’re able to catch a glimpse of the daily Peabody Duck March at 11 a.m. or 5 p.m., this one-of-a-kind local tradition is not to be missed.
Memphis Riverboats
Memphis Riverboats has been offering sightseeing tours and dinner cruises on the Mississippi River since the 1950s. The riverboats — modeled after the classic paddlewheel steamboats of the 19th century — are stunning photographic subjects, and the sightseeing tours offer some unique views of the city to boot.
Looking for more amazing Memphis content? Check out Choose901!
The post The absolute best places to take pictures in Memphis appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post Here’s what happened in Memphis this week! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>
Memphis, TN, USA – May 1, 2012: The sign outside of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated as it stands today.
50th anniversary commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Bells ring for Dr. King
At 6:01 on April 4th, 2018, bells rang across the nation 39 times to honor the number of years Dr. King dwelled on this earth. Pause with us as we take a moment to reflect on his legacy.
I AM A MAN plaza opens in Memphis
A powerful moment for Memphis as the I AM A Man Plaza opened by Clayborn Temple.
A year to volunteer for Memphis
Volunteer Odyssey kicks off the Year to Volunteer movement in response to the National Civil Rights Museum‘s “Where do we go from here?” call-to-action. So, how will you #BringYourSoul and make an impact?
For more stories and Memphian updates, be sure to keep an eye on our website and follow us on social media!
The post Here’s what happened in Memphis this week! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post Issues and Innovators: Remembering Dr. King 50 years later appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>One of the many areas affected by institutional racism was education, and we still see the consequences in our school systems across the country today through segregated schools and barriers to education. The aftermath of school segregation has been linked as a cause of an educational gap. Now, Memphis is driving innovation through a variety of non-profits and initiatives that work to close this gap and make quality education a reality for all students.
Fast Facts
- The city of Memphis has presented a plan to potentially pump $6,000,000 into Shelby County pre-kindergarten programs, using funds from property tax revenue without further affecting taxpayers. If approved by the city council, this effort would work towards increasing the accessibility of pre-k for an estimated 1,500 more students.
- Tennessee is also allocating $30 million this year to promote summer-reading programs across the state, which also aims to increase literacy proficiency in young students. Memphis students will directly benefit from the summer reading and pre-k program funding.
- Along with increasing this budget, by 2022 Memphis is planning to raise the full-time hourly wage for school employees to $15 an hour. These policy changes will help schools provide a more stable foundation for children entering pre-k and for the staff and employees of the schools.
- In a recent report by the University of Memphis, researchers write, “It is important to note that greater levels of education appear to be associated with lower poverty rates particularly among the overall population. It is interesting to note that greater high school completion seems to have a dramatic impact on African American poverty rates.”
Memphis is home to countless educational innovators, with over 4,000 charitable organizations dedicated to ending poverty by promoting educational success for underprivileged students.
“The function of education is to teach one to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of education.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Innovators
The local organization, CodeCrew provides tech literacy for children around the city, furthering diversity within technological fields. CodeCrew strives to ensure that through developmental learning, students have access to technological education on digital systems and software. This education is essential to prepare students for higher academic careers and making sure they are well equipped with modern skills for high paying, high demand jobs (coding, software developers,etc.). CodeCrew holds several after-school programs, summer camps, three in-school elective programs, and special events throughout the year.
Along with CodeCrew, LITE Memphis works in Shelby County Schools to promote the furthering of education. Their vision is for African American and Latinx students to close the racial wealth gap by becoming entrepreneurs and securing high-wage jobs. LITE Memphis begins their program by taking students into a 6-month entrepreneurship program to develop ideas, places students into paid internships, and then helps students inculcate financial success in their communities through entrepreneurship. The organization’s statistics show 2,000 youths empowered through entrepreneurship, $112,000 invested in small business growth, and that over 90% of students have launched entrepreneurial projects since 2014.
Organizations in Memphis like CodeCrew and LITE Memphis are dedicated to disrupting the achievement gap through innovative, modern approaches. Other non-profits working to close the achievement gap in Memphis include The Memphis Lift, Memphis Education Fund, New Leaders for New Schools, Stand for Children, and many more. It is easy to lose hope and become discouraged when staring at the hard truth of injustice, but the soul Memphis and the vision of Dr. King will never be lost, forever paving a path of light across our world.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Somewhere we must come to see that human progress never rolls in on the wheels of inevitability. It comes through the tireless efforts and persistent work of dedicated individuals.” Memphis is filled to the brim with persistent and dedicated individuals – and we thank them for their work as keepers of Dr. King’s dream.
The post Issues and Innovators: Remembering Dr. King 50 years later appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post MLK50 Symposium: Where do we go from here? appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>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.
The post MLK50 Symposium: Where do we go from here? appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post Memphis named the most generous city in the US! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>When it comes to generosity and investing in the community, Memphis leads the pack. According to a study from the Chronicle of Philanthropy, Memphis ranks as the most charitable city in the United States.
Inspired to do even better
After trailing Salt Lake City, the last time rankings were revealed, Memphis broke into the top spot in 2017, spurred by increased giving to the public-school system. All told, Memphians give 5.6 percent of their overall income to charitable causes. That number is up from 5.1 percent in 2014, the last time the study was released.
Memphians were largely inspired to keep giving generously by a $90 million donation from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to the Teacher Effectiveness Institute (TEI) of Memphis City Schools in 2009. Their belief in Memphis’ ability to keep growing and thriving have renewed belief in the Bluff City and opened the floodgates for local residents to also contribute.
Over the last decade, the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis has grown to an asset size of $430 million, and many of the donations coming in were specifically targeted to the public-school system. In 2017, that allowed the group to hand out $161 million in grants around the city.
It’s in our blood
Many also point to Memphis’ being a Southern city rooted in church philanthropy as influencing charitable giving. Cities like Birmingham and Atlanta, who also carry the same distinction, also ranked high on the list.
Besides the education system, other benefactors of Memphis’ philanthropy included:
- Extension of the Green Line bike trail
- Renovation of Shelby Farms Park
- Completion of Big River Crossing project
- Overton Square improvements
Sustained generosity
While some point to big changes in the federal tax code as it relates to charitable giving possibly hampering philanthropic giving across the country, there’s reason for optimism in Memphis. The number of public projects that have been sustained or initiated through Memphis’ generosity seems almost self-sustaining. That is, seeing all the good charitable giving has done for our city spurs continued giving.
Now that’s something to be proud of!
For more information on all things Memphis, click here!
The post Memphis named the most generous city in the US! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>The post Justin Timberlake’s FULL Super Bowl LII Halftime Show! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>At the Super Bowl LII Halftime Show, Memphis’ own Justin Timberlake performed in front of millions with a melody of his most famous songs. We want to hear from you on our Facebook page, what did you think of his performance?
To stay up to date with the latest Memphis news, be sure to sign up for our mailing list!
The post Justin Timberlake’s FULL Super Bowl LII Halftime Show! appeared first on We Are Memphis.
]]>