Historic Orange Mound a beacon of African-American culture

When folks think of historic African-American communities, Harlem usually comes to mind. But Memphis is home to one of the nation’s oldest African American communities, Orange Mound.

Orange Mound was one of the earliest communities in the country to open its doors for the settling of African-Americans. Originally named after Mock Orange shrubs planted by plantation owner John George Deadrick, the area evolved into a thriving self-contained community that became the first in the South where African-Americans could own their own homes.

This thriving neighborhood is home to numerous African-American professionals, businesses and cultural attractions.

– Anthony Rosser II, KQ Communications