Political Leaders
This Honorary Memphian held the title of many roles, journalist, public speaker, suffragist, and an anti-lynch advocate. She was a fearless leader advocating for racial and gender equality. This invaluable voice spoke out and against white supremacy and its horrible effect on African Americans. Before Rosa Parks, she refused to be moved off of a train and was thrown off. She persisted and sued the train company. She won! This powerful figure has a school in her name to honor her legacy.
Who is Ida B. Wells?
This Memphian dominated on the Memphis basketball scene in the early 90's. After attending U OF M, they were invited to play for the USA Olympic team. The following year, they were selected in the NBA Draft first round, 3rd pick. There they went on to have played 14 years in the league and now has transitioned to Univ of Memphis Men's basketball head coach.
Who is Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway?
This Black pioneer pharmacist and herbalist was born in Memphis and raised in small town right outside of the city. His love of medicine stems from his grandmother's teaching of traditional black folklore medicine. Graduating from Xavier's School of Pharmacy, there he began his medical practice and opened South Memphis' pharmacy, serving and healing the community. This store still stands today fully operational.
What is Champion's Pharmacy Drug Store?
Hailing from South Memphis, this Memphis rapper forged his own independence and was titled the "King of Memphis" by many loved fans. He was an savvy businessman and philanthropist. He continuously gave back to his community and around the world.
Who is Adolph "Young Dolph" Thornton Jr.?
This historical recording studio placed Memphis on the map with recording artists such as Issac Hayes, Otis Redding and many more. During the 60's and 70's artists from all round would come to record at this historical landmark.
What is the STAX Records?
Civil rights activist, minister, veteran, and philanthropist, this freedom fighter marched along side Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and demonstrated restaurant sit ins and other boycotts. Appointed by Tennessee governor, he was the first African American criminal court judge in Tennessee. Later he went on to serve as Executive Director of the NAACP and the first A-A appointee of the FCC. Today his legacy is honored with the naming of the main library here in the city.
Who is Benjamin L. Hooks?
This legendary Memphian hails from the historic neighborhood in the southeast area of the city. In 1969 this tiger made their freshman debut on the U of M basketball team. During their Senior year they lead the Tigers to their first ever NCAA Finals appearance in 1973. Named one of the greatest players in U of M history. They then went on to serve as head coach for U of M basketball team.
Who is Larry Finch?
Another father and son duo, owned and operated one of the first black funeral home's in Memphis. During a time when many white funeral home owners wouldn't service black bodies, this black owned business created a solution for its community needs. Known for servicing many prominent Memphis figures, the most famous of all was Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
What is the R.S. Lewis Funeral Home?
( Robert Stevenson Lewis Sr. and Robert Stevenson Lewis Jr.)
By way of Memphis, this soul singer had a legendary career spanning over 30 years! A soul icon and superstar, this Memphian was the first African American artist to win an Oscar for best song.
Who is Issac Hayes?
This historic African American neighborhood was formally a plantation in 1890. It was the first community of it's kind to be built by and for black people. It's name came from the fruit that grew locally. It was the second largest black neighborhood outside of Harlem.
What is OrangeMound?
This honorable judge graduated from the illustrious Booker T. Washington High School. He attended Southern University but would be expelled for participating in an anti-segregation demonstration. Later he went on to graduate from Yale Law School. After his time spent in Berkley Ca as city council, he returned home and was instrumental in preserving and restoring the Lorraine Hotel, which was revived into the National Civil Rights Museum. To honor his powerful impact, a downtown courthouse is named in his honor.
Who is Judge D'Army Bailey?
This Memphis sports figure is the definition of resilience. This basketball player was signed to U of M but life unexpectedly happened forcing the player to sit out and losing their spot on the team. The following year this player attended Southwest Community College and was the first player ever to be drafted by a junior college.
Who is Ashley Shields?
This father and son duo broke barriers for the betterment of African Americans. The help and guidance of his father, this businessman is named the city's most accomplished. This family business provided protection and funding for fellow black families and businessmen. Due to his success, a school was named in his honor.
Who is Antonio Maceo Walker?
(Universal Life Insurance Comp. and Tri State Bank)
Dubbed the "Queen of Soul" this soul singer has Memphis roots, and has strong church background singing for her father's church. This R-E-S-P-E-C-T artist begin their career at age 12! During their career, they received numerous awards including 19 Grammy's and was the first woman inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Who is Aretha Franklin?
This legendary place is known for the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Now it has been turned into a museum to commemorate his life and legacy.
Lorraine Motel
Born and raised in Memphis, this political was the first of many. He was the first appointed Black Superintendent of Memphis City Schools in 1979 and in 1991 was the city's first black mayor.
Who is Dr. Willie W. Herenton?
This track star attended Melrose High School and took the track team by storm. By the end of their Senior year, this athlete was a State Champion, High School All-American, and a AAU Junior Olympic National Champion. In 1988 this athlete qualified for the first attempt at the Olympics. In 1992 they placed silver in the 4x400 relay races. Following the 1996 Olympics, they placed gold.
Who is Rochelle Stevens?
This Memphis entrepreneur first began in the accounting world. Shortly after he found interest in the entertainment industry. He was a tour manager for Issac Hayes which led to his many business ventures. Much of his career is contributed to the promotion of HBCU's and Black music artist. This figure was influential to Memphis black culture by creating heritage that still exists today*.
Who is Fred Jones?
(Southern Heritage Classic)
Born as Lizzie Douglas, this guitarist and blues icon took the blues world by storm. Named the "Queen of Blues" she dominated in male industry and maintained a long lucrative career for over 40 years.
Who is Memphis Minnie?
What is the slave haven?
This educator, administrator, and civil rights activist is acknowledged as one of the city's most influential. This BTW scholar graduated at the age of 15 years old. She then went on to graduate from Spelman College and completed her master's a year later. Her life's work began when she was denied admissions to a then all white Memphis State. From there she worked with the local NAACP and quickly rised in the ranks to executive secretary. There she began to organize to help desegregate public schools by escorting 13 black children to 4 formerly all white schools. She was instrumental in organizing a series of boycotts from department stores, supported the sanitation workers strike, and led demonstration pressuring the Memphis Board of Education. A close friend to Martin Luther King Jr, she was heavily involved in the city's civil rights movement. In 1971 she was elected to the board of the Memphis City Schools and served as president in 1991. This Memphis has been recognized for her contributes to city and even shares National Civil Rights museum Freedom Award with former president Bill Clinton.
Maxine Atkins Smith
Owned by two brothers, this historical team was one of the eight founding team of the Negro American League. This team was apart of the few in the Negro League to survive over 30 years. For black baseball players, the Negro league provided opportunity to showcase players talents.
What is the Memphis Red Sox?
This historic business was a thriving grocery store for black Memphians. Three black business partners opened the black owned store that rivaled its white competitors. Unhappy with their success, angry white mobsters attempted to destroy the store. In attempt to defend themselves one of the owners shot a white looter. The 3 men were arrested. A white mob broke into the jail lynching all three owners. This critical moment led to a famous anti-lynching campaign.
What is the People's Grocery?
(Thomas Moss, Calvin McDowell, and Will Stewart)
Many argue that their sound has crucial influenced Hip Hop and Rap today. Ahead of their time this Rap group had a large part in putting Memphis on the map and earning it's respect in the music industry. IN 2005 the award winning film Hustle and Flow earned this group their first Academy Award.
Who is Three Six Mafia?
People come all over the world to visit this famous landmark of the city. This was once home to dozens of black business owners selling goods and services. This place was the Mecca for the working black middle class.
What is Beale street?