The Memphis 100

 

Clayborn Temple Listed as ‘Nationally Significant’

The front of a Temple.
A local gem received historical ranking for involvement in the civil rights movement.(Photo courtesy of WMC-TV)

Recognized since 1979 as an important location locally, Clayborn Temple, formerly known as Second Presbyterian Church, was orginally listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its Romanesque Revival design. However, the National Register reclassified the building as “nationally significant” for its role in the civil rights movement.

African Methodist Episcopal Church bought the building in 1949.

The building became a meeting place and training center for striking workers in the 1968 Memphis sanitation strike. “I Am A Man” signs were printed at Clayborn Temple and civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. spoke at the church.

– Kym Clark, WMC Action News 5

 

Step Back in Time With a Night at the Lorraine Motel

Night at the Lorraine, a fundraiser for the National Civil Rights Museum, invites guests to step back in time for a look at the famous motel's rich history. (Photo courtesy of Isaac Singleton)

The Lorraine Motel is well-known as the site where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot in 1968. On the lighter side of history, the motel attracted many musicians and other famous guests of the era, including B.B. King, Nat King Cole, Count Basie and baseball legend Jackie Robinson.

On June 10 from 7-11 p.m., the National Civil Rights Museum will host “Night at the Lorraine” for guests to step back in time for a look at the motel’s vibrant history. The evening will feature food, live music, dancing to ‘60s hits and a silent auction.

– Aisling Maki, KQ Communications

 

Memorial Day Means Far More Than a Long Weekend

Men and woman who died in service to their country are honored on Memorial Day at Arlington National Cemetery (Photo courtesy of usmemorialday.org)

If you’re like many Americans, chances are you might confuse Memorial Day with Veteran’s Day or Labor Day.

More than just a day off from work every last Monday in May, Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor the men and women who died while in service in the United States armed forces. First celebrated in 1868 in honor of Civil War soldiers, Union generals gave a speech and soldiers decorated graves at Arlington Cemetery. Now an annual tradition, a speech is still delivered there every year.

Click here for more information behind the meaning of Memorial Day.

– Alisha Tillery, KQ Communications

 

Restored Grand Carousel Gets a New Home

The newly restored Memphis Grand Carousel will make its debut later this year at the Children's Museum of Memphis. (Photo courtesy Memphis Grand Carousel)

Have you driven past the Children’s Museum of Memphis (CMOM) on Central lately and wondered what they’re building out front?

It’s a carousel with a rich history. It was built in 1909 for a Chicago amusement park. After its involvement in a fire at the park, the carousel was restored and shipped to Memphis in 1923. In 1976, it became the centerpiece of Midtown’s beloved Libertyland. Sadly, the park closed in 2005 and the carousel was stored inside the Mid-South Coliseum until recently.

The carousel will make its public debut later this year! For more information, visit memphisgrandcarousel.org.

– Brittney Elkins, KQ Communications

 

Irish Immigrant Left Impression On Memphis

The historic Magevney House on Adams Avenue in the Victorian Village of Memphis (Photo courtesy memphismuseums.org)

The Magevney House has almost 200 years of history in its bones. Built by Irish immigrant Eugene Magevney in 1836, it’s one of the oldest residences in Memphis and was home to several important firsts for our city.

In 1839, the house hosted Memphis’ first Catholic mass. A year later, Eugene and his wife were married there in the first Catholic wedding. The following year, the Magevneys’ daughter was baptised there in the first Catholic baptism.

Eugene served our city as a pioneer schoolteacher and established the public school system and first Catholic church in Memphis. Here’s to you, Eugene!

– Amelia Ables, KQ Communications

 

This Women’s History Month, Thank A Woman Who Left Her Imprint On You

With the woman who left her imprint on me, my mom Rita Drane.

Thumbing through the history books, you’ll find female scientists, astronauts, activists, politicians, writers and wealthy, influential entertainers (looking at you, Bey!).

But, you won’t see Rita Drane’s story. She managed a household, supported her husband and taught her children that knowledge and education are keys to success. She’d take her children by bus on weekly trips to the library to spend hours poring over the pages of books.

March is Women’s History Month. Take time this month to thank a woman who didn’t make the history books but left her imprint on you. I’m blessed to call Rita my mom.

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

Civil Rights Icon Benjamin Hooks Profiled in ‘Duty of the Hour’

Memphis civil rIghts icon Dr. Benjamin Hooks (Photo courtesy of the Hooks Institute)

WKNO this month will air “Duty of the Hour,” the story of civil rights icon Dr. Benjamin Hooks.

The documentary is a production of The Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and whose mission is to teach, study and promote civil rights and social change.

“Duty of the Hour” explores this nation’s long, complex, difficult history of race. The film airs February 14 at 7:00 p.m., followed at 8:00 p.m. by a documentary on the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

– Aisling Maki, KQ Communications

 

New Downtown Hotel Serves Up Contemporary Style, Preserves Historic Value

A new boutique hotel has opened in a historic building in Downtown Memphis. (Photo courtesy of Hotel Napoleon)

Downtown Memphis has a new tenant at 179 Madison Avenue – Hotel Napoleon. The swanky boutique hotel opened in August 2016.

A registered historic site, the building dates back to 1902 and was home to defunct daily newspaper the Evening Scimitar, and Memphis Power and Light, MLGW’s predecessor. Residents and tourists alike will love its big-city feel paired with Southern charm and hospitality.

Hotel Napoleon is perfect for a weekend staycation in the city, but you can always enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner or a cocktail at the Luna Restaurant and Bar. Follow them on Facebook or on Instagram at @hotelnapoleonmemphis.

– Alisha Tillery, KQ Communications