Celebrate what makes this North Memphis neighborhood great at a fun and free community expo on March 31.
Join High Ground News and the residents of Klondike and Smokey City for a fun and free block party celebrating the folks who make this neighborhood a better place to live. All are welcome to the event, but please reserve your spot.
The Klondike and Smokey City communities have unique stories to tell that are rich in the foundation of the city’s African-American history. Those stories are centered on Klondike Smokey City’s people, both those who have called the North Memphis neighborhood home for decades and those who only recently discovered the community.
High Ground News has spent the past three months getting to know Klondike Smokey City. Our team of journalists has worked to tell the community’s stories through video, photography and written words. We’ve focused on what those in the community are doing to build on its rich history to make this neighborhood a desirable home once again. Yes, Klondike Smokey City struggles with blight. Two of its historic schools will be shuttered by this summer.
But there is hope. It’s heard in the halls of Perea Preschool, where pre-K children work toward a brighter future. It’s seen on Saturdays at the Klondyke Handy Spot-Barber and Beauty Salon where this 62-year-old business thrives. Walk in the doors at Dave Wells Community Center in the afternoon and discover the neighborhood’s children playing in a safe space.
High Ground News will celebrate these and many more stories during a neighborhood expo later this month. We will conclude our three-month focus on the North Memphis neighborhood with a Klondike Community Expo on March 31. Join community organizations and businesses as we celebrate this neighborhood.
The doors of Dave Wells Community Center at 915 Chelsea Ave. will open at 5 p.m. Stop in for food and refreshments and browse the expo where community organizations and businesses will share more of their respective stories. We’ll also talk a bit about what we’ve learned in the neighborhood, hear more about the University of Memphis’ work in Klondike Smokey City and see performances from a few community groups.
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Lance is a veteran journalist with more than 16 years of experience in newsrooms in the Memphis area as a reporter and editor, including most recently as managing editor of The Daily News. He regularly contributes to The Daily News, including a biweekly travel column, The Daily Traveler.