How to Celebrate Black History Month in Memphis
Nestled in the southwest corner of Tennessee and bordered by the mighty Mississippi river, Memphis is one of the largest and oldest metropolitan cities in the South. Its mixture of agriculture and industry made it a popular destination for freed blacks hoping to find wealth and prosperity at the turn of the century. The confluence of cultural experiences and creative energies gave way to the creation of rock n' roll music, forever changing the dynamics between black and white and old and young. The unique racial history of Memphis would make it an ideal place in which to celebrate Black History Month.
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Instructions
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Explore the rich history of soul music by visiting the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Stax Records was the Memphis equivalent of Detroit's Motown Records, producing classic hits from Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Albert King and Booker T. Jones. The museum commemorates the monumental work of these artists, along with the work of other soul music labels such as Muscle Shoals, Atlantic and Hi Records.
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Visit the Gibson Guitar Factory and Showcase. Get a first-hand look at how these instruments are made and how famous African-American guitarists like B.B. King and Chuck Berry used them as tools to change the world.
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Stroll down Beale Street's Memphis Walk of Fame. Similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, this popular Memphis tourist destination commemorates the musical legacy of Memphis. Many of the stars honor African-American performers, including B.B. King, Bobby "Blue" Bland and Alberta Hunter.
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Learn the history of the cotton industry by visiting the Cotton Museum. Located at the former trading floor of the Memphis Cotton Exchange, the museum explores the history of cotton's cultivation and commercial use, along with its societal and racial effects. Southern African-American history is linked intrinsically to the city's agricultural history.
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Celebrate Black History Month with a trip to the National Civil Rights Museum. The museum was built around the location of the Lorraine Motel, where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in 1968. Today, the site details the generational struggle African Americans have faced in the fight for equal rights (see Resources below).
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Tips & Warnings
Take advantage of the rich African-American history offered in nearby Southern cities. Consider planning a day trip to Little Rock, Arkansas or Jackson, Mississippi. Memphis is situated between several states with unique histories, giving visitors plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month.
