Connecting the past to the present for a better future.
The racial dynamics of Memphis changed between 1862-1865. During the Civil War, thousands of enslaved and formerly enslaved Black people fled to the city. In 1865, the Black population was 39%. Most of the Black population gathered around Beale, Linden, and Causey streets. These areas were considered, “Negro Quarters.” Lymus Wallace was the first …
Memphis’s first mayor, Marcus Winchester, was intriguing to many people outside of Memphis. Because he married a “free woman of color,” he became the leading attraction of visitors to the river city, especially those of the radical or reformer type One such lady, identified as Mrs. Ann Royal, visited Memphis frequently. She and many …
Memphis is an intriguing city located on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff overlooking the mighty Mississippi River. It is described as the Crossroads of the Mid-South. It’s in the middle of everything and is known as the railroad town. There’s something special about being in the middle of everything. The city rapidly developed as a major …
I was born and raised in Memphis but knew little about the history of the interesting and historical city located on the Fourth Chickasaw Bluff. The city was named after Memphis, Egypt. In ancient Egypt, Memphis meant “good abode.” The city is bordered by Mississippi to the south and Arkansas to the west. Many people …
I visited Cape Cod and Martha’s Vineyard with a different tour group for the second time in almost three months. Prior to visiting the first time, I was curious about the experience of Black Americans on the island. For years, I thought it was a place where on the Black elite went. I didn’t …
Sixty years ago on this date, August 28, 1963, The March on Washington D.C. for Jobs and Freedom was the largest civil rights rally in American History. I was almost ten years old and living in abject poverty with my family in the segregated South. My parents did not have jobs outside of working …
In 1972, on the campus of Tennessee State University, I became a member of the Divine Nine. I was the first in my family to pledge a sorority or fraternity. My niece, nephew, and two daughters followed in my footsteps. My son in love also pledged a fraternity when he was in college. …
During the civil war, enslaved men fled from their enslavers and flocked to Union lines. John C. Fremont, a Union general, issued a proclamation freeing the enslaved people of Missouri rebels. President Lincoln revoked the proclamation. In spite of pressure from congressional liberals, abolitionists, and free black leaders, he ignored them and for almost …
In June 2022, I visited Charleston, South Carolina for the first time. My niece and her husband planned a family trip to this historic city. They arranged an extensive black history tour with a local tour company. We departed from the Charleston Visitor Center for our two hour tour. Our energetic and knowledgeable guide …
American women have always been involved in politics. They may have been excluded from party membership, voting, or running for office but they were vocal about political issues and participated in party activities. Women in western territories were voting long before the national woman suffrage amendment of 1920. There were so many great women who …