The Memphis 100 - 100 word stories & 100 second videos on topics of intrigue

Mission of Change

Class Members are inducted into City Year.

“You can indeed change the world,” said Michael Brown, co-founder of City Year. Brown has been working on that change since his Harvard Law School days in 1988, when he started a nonprofit that partners with public schools in 28 high-need communities across the U.S. and now Memphis.

City Year mobilizes AmeriCorps members like Jonathan Higginbottom, who’s supporting a Frayser school he attended. During the one year of service, he and other young workers are tutors, mentors and role models. With over 50 million collective service hours, City Year is making a world of change for students.

– Renee Malone, Publisher

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Wellness

St. Jude Develops First ‘Living Drug’ for Childhood Leukemia

The FDA approved the first treatment to use a patient’s own cells on a form of childhood leukemia, opening a new era in cancer care, thanks to the work done at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Researchers say the first “living drug” of its type to hit the market could alter how doctors treat aggressive childhood cancer. Though costly, the new gene therapy price is less than bone marrow or stem cell transplants and poses fewer risks.

And, the hope is that similar techniques can treat aggressive brain tumors, bone tumors and muscle tumors, but more research is still needed.

– Kym Clark/Kendall Downing, WMC Action News 5

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Giving back

FedEx Delivers 20,000 Meals to Harvey Victims

FedEx planes are being loaded to deliver meals to Texas. (Photo courtesy of WMC)

FedEx packed an airplane with 20,000 meals – noodles, beef, rice and more — and sent them to Texas to feed victims of Hurricane Harvey.

The American Red Cross distributed the food. Laura Vaughn with the American Red Cross said she’s proud to be from Memphis and helping Harvey victims.

“The need is great and to be able to provide this sense of hope, whether it’s a meal delivered by FedEx or just a listening ear, is a very humbling experience,” Vaughn said. “No matter where it seems the critical need is, Memphis is always there to respond and help others.”

– Kym Clark, WMC Action News 5

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Giving

Local IKEA Provides Bedding for Refugees

Dozens of refugees resettled in Memphis have new beds and bedding, thanks to furniture retailer IKEA. The contribution is a part of a community donation campaign called 5,000 Dreams that IKEA put in place to support refugee families in local communities.

Outreach coordinators with Refugee Empowerment Program (REP) said many refugees come with large families, and the extra beds will be a big help. The beds and bedding should serve about 35.

REP estimates Memphis has 7,000-10,000 refugees, many from war-torn African counties. REP leaders will continue working to increase awareness of the need.

– Kym Clark, WMC Action News 5

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living

Brewery and Bicycle Event Hits the Streets This Month

Tour de Brewer cyclists pose together. (Photo courtesy of Leadership Memphis)

To raise money for its new 4th Grade Bicycle Safety Program, Revolutions Bicycle Cooperative is inviting the community to Tour de Brewer #2 on Saturday, Sept. 23.

From 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tour de Brewer participants will visit four Memphis taprooms and Old Dominick Distillery, all by bicycle. The route covers a lot of ground, but the pace will be slow to accommodate all cycling levels and allow for conversation, too.

A suggested $10 donation allows all guests to join the fun. Participants need to provide their own bicycles, helmets and locks. Learn more about it here.

– Leadership Memphis

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Events

Tape Art Returning to Memphis

Finished work from Tape Art (Photo courtesy of Leadership Memphis)

Remember the Tape Art outdoor exhibit at Brooks Museum this past Spring? Well, Tape Art is headed back to Memphis to Tape the Square!

Head to Overton Square on Saturday, Sept. 16 to watch the Tape Art crew create a fun, unique outdoor art installation made 100% out of tape, themed to make guests imagine what’s hiding beneath the Square.

Tape Art will begin creating the installation around 10 a.m. and will tear it down after 4 p.m. The times are estimated, so make sure to stop by during the day to watch the progress. Learn more here.

– Leadership Memphis

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Art

SCS Students Partner with Facing History for Art Show

Students from Colonial Middle School got a chance to show off their artistic abilities at a gallery show at the Facing History building in downtown Memphis.

The school teamed up with Just City Memphis for the event. The focus of the show was institutional racism. It covered a variety of topics, including Jim Crow laws, the school-to-prison pipeline, negative African-American stereotypes and white flight.

Facing History Executive Director Marti Tippens Murphy said she was blown away by the students’ talent. She said it, “really shows their understanding of history and reflection about issues of equity and justice.”

– Shelby County Schools

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community service

Leadership Memphis Welcomes 80 ‘Executives’ to the Fold

Eighty new professionals will graduate from Leadership Memphis' Executive Class 2018. (Photo courtesy of Leadership Memphis)

Leadership Memphis’ Executive Program brings together 80 seasoned professionals – leaders in their companies or fields – who are interested in deepening their understanding of Memphis and their place as a change agent in the city.

Class members are divided among eight city communities, where they are immersed in a particular place to make the gains in IQ, EQ and network come to life. Each group will not only learn more about the specific community, but will also learn about their community at large when the whole class comes together.

Take a look at the awesome Executive Class of 2018 participants here.

– Leadership Memphis

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Philanthropy

White Station Student Raises Funds for Harvey Victims

White Station student London Pirtle and friends raised money for hurricane victims. (Photo courtesy of SCS)

Lunchtime for high school students is normally a chance to catch up with friends, but a group of White Station students used their lunch periods last week to collect money for victims of Hurricane Harvey.

London Pirtle says the images out of Texas showing the devastation caused by deadly flooding in Harvey’s path were enough to inspire her to act.

“Just think if it were you,” said Pirtle, a junior at White Station. “The right thing to do is help people who need help.”

Pirtle and her peers raised $1,000, which will be donated to the American Red Cross.

– Shelby County Schools

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Nonprofit

RISE Foundation Invites Partygoers to the Emerald City

RISE Foundation invites guests to the Emerald City at its annual gala.

The RISE Foundation, which helps transform the lives of low-income working Memphians through financial literacy programs, is inviting partygoers to follow the yellow brick road to its annual gala, “An Evening of Change.”

The event will take place on Sept. 28 at the FedEx Event Center at Shelby Farms Park. This is not your traditional plated-dinner ballroom gala. RISE is inviting guests to spend an enchanted evening in the Emerald City, featuring appearances by Dorothy, Toto and company. Guests will enjoy cocktails, heavy hors d’oeuvres, dancing and an exclusive online auction.

Purchase your tickets at www.risememphis.org.

– Aisling Maki, KQ Communications

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commuting

Memphis Goes Fuel-less

The Fuel-less pledge encourages Memphians to get around the city more responsibly.

Cars were invented in 1886. That’s more than 47,815 days of driving and traffic.

Commute Options, a program promoting transportation choices, is encouraging Memphians to park their cars and take the Fuel-less P ledge. The Fuel-less Pledge is a commitment to use less fuel by biking, taking transit, carpooling and walking instead of driving alone. Each pledge is customizable to fit users’ goals.

Pledge to walk to the community park, bike to the grocery store, carpool to all of the upcoming festivals and events or take transit to work. Save money, alleviate stress and get active. Register today!

– Joyce McKinney, KQ Communcations

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faith

The Blvd Welcomes All for Faith and Family Fest

The Blvd's annual family gathering features the inaugural Faith and Family Fest this year. (Photo courtesy of MBCC)

Looking for a place to get tools to strengthen your family and have fun at the same time?

Join Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church for its new family gathering, Faith and Family Fest, Sept. 22-23. Everyone is welcome to attend. Workshops are tailored to fit all families, including singles, married and newly engaged couples, divorcees and empty nesters. There’s also a conference for kids and teens.

Pastor Bryan Carter of Concord Church in Dallas and Internet sensation, Christianee Porter, best known as Ms. Shirleen, are special guests. The weekend culminates with an outdoor festival for the whole family. RSVP here.

– Alisha Tillery, KQ Communications

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Books

‘The Recipe:’ a Story of Loss, Love & the Ingredients to Greatness

Get ready for some novel life lessons that inspire on many levels.

The soon-to-be-launched book by bestselling author John David Mann (“The Go-Giver”), “The Recipe,” is set to be another masterpiece of charming storytelling and profound wisdom.

Mann partnered with Culinary Olympian Chef Charles Carroll to create “The Recipe,” and just like a particularly delicious meal that inspires on many levels, the book is a delightful mix of novel, life lessons and cookbook.

Following the travails of a young man’s life turned upside down by his father’s death, and his encounter with a gruff chef who delivers learnings well beyond cooking, “The Recipe” is available for pre-order.

– Tara Rogers-Ellis, The Dubai 100

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Business

Three Ways Content Marketing Builds Business

There are many reasons why you should be integrating content marketing in your business strategies.

Content marketing is changing the way businesses engage with customers. Here are three ways your business can benefit from this useful tactic.

1. Be an Expert: Quality content delivered on a consistent basis positions your business as an authority and builds credibility with your audience.

2. Boosts SEO: In a highly searchable world, genuinely good content will not only bring back your audience but help with search engine rankings.

3. Content Creates Value: When your audience visits your website or social pages, they expect to glean insights from what you’re putting out there — and depend on you for valuable information.

– Natalie Ghidotti, The Arkansas 100

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technology

When Should You Upgrade Your Phone?

Not all phone upgrades are created equal.

With the new “8” products around the corner – iPhone & Samsung primarily– do you NEED to upgrade your phone for the newest product? CNBC had an article earlier this year saying no, you don’t have to upgrade often. Here are some ideas for when you should upgrade:

• Out of storage – the cloud may help, but if you’re at capacity with your apps, you should upgrade.

• Cracked screen – cracked screens can hinder your experience. Sometimes it’s easier to replace the phone than shell out for just a screen.

• Battery issues – If your phone doesn’t hold a charge or shuts off randomly – upgrade!

– Josh Sarnowitz, The Boston 100

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Keep It 100

Southern Heritage Classic Is a Crowd Pleaser

The Southern Heritage Classic returns to Memphis Sept. 7-9. (Photo courtesy of Southern Heritage Classic)

Beyond the football game, the Southern Heritage Classic is a three-day cultural festival, crowd pleaser and moneymaker for the city of Memphis.

Founder Fred Jones estimates 50,000 fans attend the annual event — now in its 28th year — pumping more than $21 million into the local economy. Of course, the main focus is the tailgate and matchup between Tennessee State University and Jackson State University, but as the theme states, “More than a Game. It’s a Celebration.”

From a Fantasia concert, to a college fair and fashion show, there are options for everyone at the Classic, Sept. 7-9.

– Renee Malone, Publisher

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television

Local Father and Son Appear on Steve Harvey’s Show

Quinelius Jones (left) is scheduled to appear on Steve Harvey's show.

A Mid-South dad and his son will appear on national television, thanks to social media.

Quinelius Jones, 8, a big fan of Steve Harvey, asked his father if they could be on the comedian’s TV talk show. His dad, Quintin Patrick, who works as a barber, knew it would be a long shot, so he wasn’t expecting what happened next.

“I posted a picture of him and somebody who works for the ‘Steve Harvey’ show saw it and messaged me,” Patrick said.

The episode is scheduled to air today. Quinelius plans to ask Harvey why he is so bald.

– Andrew Douglas, WMC Action News 5

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Education

SCS Students Observe Solar Eclipse

Students at Shelby County Schools spent part of the day on Aug. 21 outside, with their heads tilted toward the sky for the solar eclipse.

Shelby County was a couple of hundred miles from the path of totality, and clouds blocked the view for part of the event, but that didn’t dampen any of the kids’ spirits.

Teachers at Grahamwood Elementary and Highland Oaks Elementary made the experience both fun and educational. Fourth-graders at Highland Oaks brought SunChips and MoonPies to snack on. Grahamwood second-grader Allison Brumbaugh showed off the sun viewer she made with a cereal box.

– Shelby County Schools

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holidays

Four Tips for Labor Day Travel

Image of the sky with the words "Four Labor Day Travel Tips"

Twenty-five percent of Americans will travel during Labor Day Weekend.

For many, Labor Day means grilling, family fun, parades and a chance to enjoy a few extra hours of pajama time Monday morning.

It can also be that last opportunity to sneak in a vacation before the end of summer. If you are in that 25 percent of Americans traveling over the holiday, here are a few tips for the journey:

Driving? Download the GasBuddy app for the cheapest gas wherever you are.
Flying? Avoid baggage fees by carefully packing the carry-on.
Kids on board? Wet wipes, snacks, headphones and games with extra chargers.
Babies? Prayer … lots of prayer!

– Joyce McKinney, KQ Communications

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living

Black Enterprise Magazine Features Influential Memphis Entrepreneur

Cynthia Daniels has brought her ideas to life in Memphis. (Photo courtesy of Black Enterprise Magazine)

A Memphis-based entrepreneur is currently featured in Black Enterprise Magazine.

Cynthia Daniels, the founder of the popular Black Restaurant Week, is being heralded in the influential national publication as one of the driving forces in business in the Bluff City. Black Enterprise Magazine points out that Daniels relocated to Memphis seven years ago after losing her job in Atlanta.

In Memphis, she became president of Memphis Urban League Young Professionals. Daniels then launched Memphis Black Restaurant Week, which has generated more than $80,000 in profits for Memphis minority-owned businesses and has since expanded to dozens more cities.

– WMC Action News 5

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Education

SCS Principal Fosters Love for Kids off Campus

Woman wearing a printed dress standing in front of a green wall smiling.

Havenview Middle School principal, Darla Young, has fostered more than 50 children. She was inspired by her own parents, who also serve as foster parents. (Photo courtesy of Shelby County Schools)

Havenview Middle School principal, Darla Young, never takes a break from helping kids. In addition to working as an educator, Young has fostered more than 50 children since 2009. She only accepts teenagers, because she recognizes they can be the most difficult to place in foster care.

“My plan is to help them learn to stand on their own,” she said. “Graduation is our first goal, with college or a trade as the second.”

Over the years, Young has fostered numerous teenage moms and now has 35 grandchildren. “If they need to come back, they know they can,” she said.

– Shelby County Schools

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Sports

Bobsledding Memphian Hopes for a Second Shot at Olympics

When you think of Memphis sports, bobsledding hardly tops the list, which makes what Sable Otey is doing even more impressive.

Otey is a Memphian and member of Team USA. She’s training at Mid-South Ice House in Olive Branch, Mississippi, in an attempt to qualify for the 2018 Winter Olympics. In 2015, her god brother introduced her to bobsledding. She began training and entered the bobsled combine. Between her job as a P.E. teacher at Lowrance Elementary and being a mom, Otey has a full plate.

She will find out in November if she made the Olympic team.

– Sudu Upadhyay, WMC Action News 5

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Free Event

Don’t Miss out on the Local Fun This Month

Festivalgoers at the annual Cooper Young Festival. (Photo courtesy of memphistravel.com)

If you’re looking for some local fun, check out Memphis Travel’s “The Ultimate Guide to Memphis Festivals.” There are festivals for music lovers, fairgoers, and even a festival for goat enthusiasts. Most importantly, there are events for kids and kids at heart.

Delta Fair & Music Festival – Sept. 1-10
Memphis Music & Heritage Festival – Sept. 2-3
28th Annual International Goat Days Festival – Sept. 8-9
Germantown Festival – Sept. 9-10
Cooper Young Festival – Sept. 16
Gonerfest – Sept. 28-Oct. 1
Bartlett Festival – Sept. 29-30
On Location: International Film Fest – Aug. 31-Sept. 3

For more information, visit memphistravel.com.

– Brittney Elkins, KQ Communications

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music

Lamont Dozier Puts Royal Touch on Motown Gold

Watch TV or movies, or stop by the supermarket, and you’ll probably hear a melody created by Lamont Dozier.

Dozier and record producer Fred Mollin are reimagining 22 of Dozier’s hit records … his voice accompanied by piano, guitar and duets. Brian and Edward Holland and Dozier helped make The Supremes, the Four Tops, Martha Reeves and The Vandellas and Marvin Gaye nationally known artists for Motown.

Dozier is now an artist-in-residence at USC. Dozier and Mollin are recording at least one session at Memphis’ Royal Studios where the Rev. Al Green and producer Willie Mitchell made musical magic.

– Joe Birch, WMC Action News 5

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Sports

MMA Promoter Works to Bring Boxing Program to Memphis

A Memphis MMA promoter hopes to unlock the best in Mid-South children.

World Boxing promoter Sam Watson was honored by the city, county and state Thursday, which is now recognized as Sam Watson Day in the Bluff City. Between promoting the recent Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor fight, World Boxing promoter Sam Watson got a key to the city from Mayor Jim Strickland.

Watson is also partnering with the Police Athletic League (PAL) to give children an outlet for energy that otherwise could result in negative outcomes and life choices. He also hopes to bring more boxing to FedExForum.

– Kym Clark, WMC Action News 5

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community service

Four Generations of Memphis Family Served as Firefighters

Four members of the Winfield family have served the Memphis Fire Department for more than six decades. (Photo courtesy of MFD)

A Memphis family has a rich history of public service that dates back 64 years. Four members of the Winfield family have spent their careers working as firefighters with the Memphis Fire Department.

It began with Robert Winfield, who first put on the uniform in March of 1953. His son Gary soon followed, then nephews James and Kenneth Winfield joined the fire department.

The Winfields generously dedicated themselves to saving lives, homes and property in the Bluff City for more than six decades, and the Memphis community is tremendously grateful to the family for their selfless service to our city.

– Andrew Douglas, WMC Action News 5

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Crisis Communications

Are You Crisis-Ready?

A man rowing a cardboard box in the ocean surrounded by sharks.

Always be prepared for a business crisis - they strike when you least expect it.

Is your team ready to respond to a crisis? The answer is NO if you answer “no” to more than three checklist items:

• We have established a crisis team and formal notification plan to key audiences.

• We have identified potential crisis situations and developed strategies for responding to each.

• We have appropriate social media plans for crisis communications, as necessary.

• At any hour, our crisis team knows how to contact each other.

• Our organization has a formal communications policy to provide media with information.

• Our spokesperson has received professional media training and is an integral part of our management team.

– Tara Frier, Crisis Interception

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Food

Bacon Lovers Rejoice! International Bacon Day Is Here

(Photo courtesy of Amelia Ables)

It’s bacon time! International Bacon Day is Sept. 2. Celebrate by whipping up a sweet, salty, satisfying batch of bacon-wrapped dates. If you’re vegetarian or don’t eat pork, opt for soy or turkey bacon, and they’ll still be tasty.

40 pitted medjool dates
2 pounds thin bacon
40 toothpicks

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Cut bacon strips in half and place on plate in single layer. Microwave three minutes. Repeat with remaining bacon. Wrap each date with a half piece of bacon and secure with toothpick. Bake 20 minutes, turning dates halfway through. Enjoy immediately or at room temperature.

— Amelia Ables, KQ Communications

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Business

Self-Promotion: The Art of the Not-So-Shameless Plug

Once you’ve identified your personal brand, you are ready to market yourself in an authentic, not braggadocious, way. This self-promotion showcases your expertise. It is said that luck is where preparation meets opportunity. Marketing yourself creates that luck.

How? Become an expert. Build your network. Engage in social media. Learn to communicate. Make your personal appearance congruent with your brand. Recognize opportunities to strengthen your brand. Be generous with your talents. Volunteer. Ask for help. Be remarkable. Your brand is your highest priority, your essence. It’s the foundation upon which you will build your professional career and personal existence.

This is part three of a three-part video series on personal branding. We hope you enjoyed!

– Betsie Gambel, The New Orleans 100

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safety

A Textalyzer Could Be the New Breathalyzer

Hand holding an iPhone beside the steering wheel.

Distracted driving causes one of every four car crashes.

In the United States, nearly 1.6 million crashes result from texting and driving. Tennessee is one of 47 states with a distracted-driving ban, but statistics show driver habits aren’t changing.

A new device that could tell if you’ve been texting while behind the wheel is undergoing tests in New York.

The Textalyzer works like a Breathalyzer, but instead of measuring blood-alcohol content, it measures cell-phone activity. Police must obtain search warrants to look through a person’s phone, but many are concerned about the violation of privacy the Textalyzer might entail. Learn more about the Textalyzer here.

– Ashley Ross, The Oklahoma 100

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