Stories

Development News A wooden medicine wagon advertises "Dr. Champion's Museum of Old Tyme, Hard to Find Tonics" in 2017.

Pop-ups, public art, and more: Street festival planned in Alcy Ball for first MEMFix event of 2023

“Live music, food trucks, a jumpy house for the kids, a beer garden – we’ll have a little something for everyone to enjoy, and we hope that people will come out and see what a hidden gem our neighborhood is,” says William Ogilvie, manager of Coney Island in the Alcy Ball community.

Development News Brianna Harrington, MMI Executive Director Amber Hamilton, and Dr. Rychetta Watkins (L to R).

This Memphis nonprofit just took home an award from the largest national conference of its kind

“The Memphis Music Initiative continues to illustrate how grantmakers can meet the unique needs of Black communities, when you have thoughtfulness and innovation at the forefront," says ABFE President and CEO Susan Taylor Batten.

Development News "MHC’s top priority is making mental health resources both accessible and affordable for all," says MHC CEO Pam Womack.

Nonprofit celebrates opening affordable and accessible mental health clinic in Memphis

“I’m so proud to help bring additional mental health resources to my hometown and invest in the community I love so much,” says MHC CEO Pam Womack, who was born and raised in Shelby County. “Our holistic approach gives every individual a personalized treatment plan that works best for them. MHC’s top priority is making mental health resources both accessible and affordable for all.”

Development News A new grant will help create a community land trust and develop a Contractors University in the historic Orange Mound neighborhood.

Community land trust and Contractors University planned in Orange Mound

“Gaps in wealth between people of color and white people persist and it will take coordinated, direct action by leaders in cities to turn back the on-going legacy of systemic racism," says Joe Scantlebury, President and CEO of Living Cities.

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A ‘trashy’ situation results in frustration: Talking blight with the residents of Uptown

“People think this is normal, but I don’t,” says Deandre Bogard, a senior at Manassas High School in Uptown.

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Educator job fairs, new fellowships, and a superintendent search continues in Memphis

It’s a busy spring for the educators, parents, guardians, and students of Memphis.

Development News The inaugural Central to the Arts Festival is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 1.

University of Memphis readies inaugural arts festival celebrating community's creative spirit

"This festival is a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together and celebrate the arts," says Dr. Ryan Fisher, interim dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts.

Development News For the Kingdom is located at 4100 Raleigh Millington Rd. in Memphis.

This Memphis nonprofit just received a financial assist from the NBA Foundation

“Our primary focus is to develop these young people at their core internally so they can achieve success externally," says Summerjoy Scott, Leader of LEAD Academy, a career development initiative from For the Kingdom in Memphis' Raleigh community.

Development News A series of free workshops is underway in South City, where the SCORE CDC has organized five small business workshops featuring successful Mid-South female entrepreneurs in celebration of Women’s History Month.

Series of free workshops for aspiring and established entrepreneurs underway in South City

"By empowering small businesses with information and resources that allow them to be successful, we hope they will invest in the communities and the individuals they serve,” says Rebecca Matlock Hutchinson, founder and executive director of SCORE.

Development News Kids hang out on the stoop of the Cornelia Crenshaw Library.

This $85K grant will help boost literacy efforts throughout Memphis

"International Paper’s generosity over the years has helped us think bigger and has led to a 61 percent increase in youth literacy program attendance from 2021 to 2022," says Christine Weinreich.

Development News “Strong small businesses make strong communities, and we’re proud of the CBBB’s impact in helping them create jobs and opportunities,” says Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

Grant opportunity available to Memphis' Black-owned businesses. See who won in latest round

“Strong small businesses make strong communities,” says Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

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Small cart, big heart: The story behind one of Memphis’ best-kept secrets

Denise Ussery is known for her delicious food, affordable prices, and big heart. Following a series of traumatic events, she found healing by being in service of others.

Development News On Thursday, Feb. 9, representatives from the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation joined staff from Memphis Housing Authority, along with Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland, to celebrate the opening of the BlueCross Healthy Place at Foote Park.

Now open: Ribbon cutting ceremony held for new activity center at South City's Foote Park

“We’re proud to boast strong alliances with our community partners, such as the BlueCross Foundation, who have strengthened our efforts to better serve our residents,” said Dexter Washington, CEO of the Memphis Housing Authority. “The resources that partners contribute, coupled with the affordable housing we provide, empower our people and communities.”

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Christian Brothers University to break ground on $4.2M expansion of engineering laboratory

“We are adding roughly 4,700 square feet to the current site,” says CBU Operations Director Alex Smythe.

Development News "The resources and tools provided through the Accelerator will assist any restaurant owner from growth and development to maturity to have the confidence to make the vital decisions to have a successful and sustainable restaurant," says Rhonda Brown.

New accelerator program to offer free business classes, coaching to Memphis food-service businesses

“Memphis Medical District Collaborative is excited about the partnership with Proof Incubator,” says Rhonda Brown, Economic Development Program Manager with the MMDC. "The resources and tools provided through the Accelerator will assist any restaurant owner from growth and development to maturity to have the confidence to make the vital decisions to have a successful and sustainable restaurant."

Feature Story See our sidebar to better understand the complex history of Tyre Nichols' Memphis neighborhood, Hickory Hill.

Taking to the streets and taking care of each other, communities turn out for Tyre Nichols

Here are some of the ways that Memphis (and beyond) turned out for Tyre Nichols, a Black man who was a father, son, and one of Memphis’ own.

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With plans to expand, eagerly awaiting spring’s arrival at Black Seeds Urban Farms

Derravia and Bobby Rich started Black Seeds Urban Farms in 2021. It has grown into a successful business, providing fresh fruits and vegetables from the earth in a location that was recently a food desert. There's much more to come.

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How Memphis Fashion Week champions the next generation of Memphis fashion designers

Time is running out for Memphis fashion designers to apply for the Emerging Memphis Designer Project. This year's Memphis Fashion Week is scheduled for May.

Development News Dr. Melissa Collins gives instructions to her class at John P. Freeman Optional School in Whitehaven in 2018.

These 7 Memphis schools were just awarded STEM Grants from the TVA

“This opportunity can make the difference for educators and students as they incorporate 21st-century skills and real-world problem-solving. It is a privilege to work with this partnership year after year and continue to serve the incredible educators of the Tennessee Valley,” says Gretchen Brown, operations director at Battelle.

Development News The LeMoyne-Owen College Gospel Choir in 2016.

Application window opens for Memphis City Council’s $1M HBCU scholarship fund

“As a graduate of an HBCU, I understand how valuable these particular institutions are for developing young people so that they are able to return to the City of Memphis and make a lasting, positive impact in their community,” says Memphis City Council Chairman Martavius Jones.