The Memphis 100

 

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

 

Southern Heritage Classic Is a Crowd Pleaser

Flyer of the Southern Heritage Classic.
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

 

Celebrating Quality, Not Criticism

Woman wearing blue top and glasses smiling.
The Memphis 100 Publisher Renee Malone.

From social media rants to negative reviews, consumers often exercise their power to call out poor service. But what happens when a business gets it right? Do you tweet about a kind word from a server or a mechanic’s extra effort?

The Tri-State Defender, Memphis Flyer and the Commercial Appeal are celebrating Memphis’ best businesses, as chosen by people like you. So, vote for your favorites, buy tickets to the celebration or show your support through patronage.

Businesses realize that constructive criticism comes with the territory, but they also deserve shout-outs for quality work and good customer care.

– Renee Malone, Publisher

 

KQ to Celebrate 10 Years and You

Woman wearing a blue blouse smiling.
Renee Malone, publisher of The Memphis 100 and president of KQ Communications, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary.

In 2007, the financial crisis began, leading to a near-housing collapse and a car industry bailout. People were pulling their purse strings tighter and reducing their risk. After all, even Ford Motor Company, with more than a century in business, was losing financial control.

However, that same year, KQ Communications took a chance, opening its doors with plans of promoting Memphis churches, organizations, businesses and people with positive stories to share.

A decade later, KQ continues to serve, now in two cities. Is your company celebrating a milestone anniversary? Let us celebrate your story in the next Memphis 100.

– Renee Malone, Publisher

 

Low- to No-Cost Medication Available in Memphis

Dr. Phil Baker talks with fellow pharmacist and Memphis medical icon, Dr. Charles Champion. (Photo courtesy of The Good Shepherd)

Memphis pharmacist Phil Baker believes that people, with or without insurance, often pay too much for prescription medication. So, Baker’s good deed is opening a nonprofit pharmacy, the Good Shepherd, focused on making medicine affordable.

Here’s how it works: Baker’s pharmacy provides a free check of your medications to see if he can cut your costs by enrolling you in his program, which includes more than 350 medications. The best part? If he can’t help, he’ll direct you to someone who can.

For Baker, Good Shepherd is more than a pharmacy; It’s a mission. Learn more at www.goodshephealth.com.

– Renee Malone, Publisher

 

Summer Waits for No One

It's summer in Memphis. If you can't get out of town, consider a staycation. (Photo courtesy of Renee Malone)

It’s summer — time to take off, right? Take Back Your Time says many employees end the year with several unused vacation days. Wait … what?

Whether it’s a lack of time or money, the organization’s website says 52 percent of those surveyed do not use all of their paid time off. The organization suggests that even if it’s a “staycation,” you deserve it and your stress level desires it.

In Memphis, there are many low-cost or no-cost options for enjoying a little downtime, so let’s stop making excuses and make plans now to unplug and unwind. It’s your time.

– Renee Malone, APR, KQ Communications

 

Memphis, My Love: a Memphis 100 Story

Renee Malone, Publisher of The Memphis 100. Leadership Memphis, WMC-TV and Shelby County schools have all joined KQ Communications as partners in this publication.

Our relationship started out shaky. During our first weekend together, I ended up with a missing wallet and a traffic ticket.

My affair with Memphis slowly grew over music, food and midnight walks. Sure, there have been times when I considered leaving, but chose to remain. Like any relationships, there are ups and downs.

Now, my colleagues and I choose to celebrate our long-standing love of this city, and others are joining us to express theirs. Leadership Memphis, WMC-TV and Shelby County Schools have joined KQ Communications as partners in The Memphis 100.

It’s all about Memphis, our love.

– Renee Malone, APR, KQ Communications

 

Keep It 100: Sharing the Best of Memphis

Renee Malone, Publisher of The Memphis 100, is committed to sharing the best bite-sized news stories from The Bluff City.

From our lively music scene to our love of basketball to the best barbecue anywhere, the Bluff City has it all. Whether it’s getting in shape on the Green Line, strolling the banks of the mighty Mississippi or partying on Beale Street, there’s no shortage of fun activities.

Through The Memphis 100, we’re committed to sharing all the positives our city offers. Memphis has a little something for everyone.

Be sure to tell others to subscribe by clicking here. We’ll soon announce exciting new partnerships that will greatly expand our reach and ability to share our city’s many great stories.

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

Advice From a Teacher and Mother

Retired school teacher Lillie St. Clair (Photo courtesy of Renee Malone)

Retired Chicago school teacher Lillie St. Clair helped to raise thousands of children over her 38-year career, before leaving the Windy City for the sunny South.

Although she’s now hundreds of miles away in Memphis, her former students continue to thank her for her motherly guidance and support. It’s the same parenting she and her husband provided to their own three children — two attorneys and an engineer.

Her Mother’s Day advice is simple. “Model positive behavior and take time for your children every morning to engage them, learn about their lives and ensure they’re on a pathway to success.”

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

Serving Globally

A busy street in Shanghai (Photo courtesy of David Brown)

Talk about company perks…our colleague David Brown is 7,000 miles away in Beijing getting paid to volunteer.

It’s part of KQ’s Take Five program, which allows employees five paid service days off annually. David and members of his Southaven, Mississippi, church are on a mission trip to China to spread the Word of God. Seeing other parts of the world is one of life’s ultimate adventures, but committing to serve members of our global family makes for an even more fulfilling, eye-opening experience.

In the words of Anne Frank, “No one has ever become poor by giving.”

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

Keep It 100: The End of an Era in Memphis Journalism

Journalist Jerome Wright covered Memphis news for more than four decades. (Photo courtesy of Jerome Wright)

My life began the same year Jerome Wright began his career as a Commercial Appeal journalist.

As I was learning, growing, graduating, marrying, raising children and starting my career over the next 20-year period, Jerome was consistently providing a daily account of life in Memphis.

He covered the city’s triumphs and tragedies, its growth and decline. Jerome was a witness to ownership changes, rounds of layoffs and major technological advances that forever changed journalism. He shared his thoughts in this final byline.

Jerome has earned a lifetime of respect from many of us, including me.

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

Millennials Work To Increase Local College Attainment Rates

Memphians Jeremy Calhoun and Alton Cryer (l-r) are working to increase college attainment rates. (Photo courtesy of Renee Malone)

We often assume young men, fresh out of college, are focused on money and women. This is hardly the case for Jeremy Calhoun and Alton Cryer — Memphis natives who are busy ensuring more young people complete college.

Still in their twenties, these young men have already contributed more to the Memphis community than many folks twice their age. They founded Setting the Standard (STS) Enterprise, a nonprofit providing leadership and mentorship for teens and college students.

On April 13, they’re hosting a networking event for college students to meet Memphis leaders. Learn more at stsenterprise.org.

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

Small Gestures Say Big Thanks

Staff at Kate Bond Middle School from left to right: Diamond Butler, Millicent Williams, Gwen Smith and Kendra Murell (Photo courtesy of John Best)

“For us?” asks a Kate Bond Middle School teacher, as she eyed a spread of coffee and pastries, compliments of Superintendent Dorsey Hopson and the leaders of Shelby County Schools.

The district has struggled with low staff morale in recent years following the merger, budget cuts and more. However, it is now unveiling its first balanced budget in years and showing something employers now realize is key to a happy workforce – appreciation.

SCS leaders are saying thanks by stopping by all area schools over the next few weeks with a little morning Joe. It’s a small token with big value.

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

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

 

Black Restaurant Week Expected to Generate $1 Million for Business Owners

The Memphis 100 Publisher Renee Malone

Cynthia Daniels developed an idea that’s expected to generate $1 million for budding black-owned restaurants. She saw a need to bolster support for black and minority-owned businesses and used good, old-fashioned grassroots marketing to bring it to fruition.

Last year, Daniels founded Black Restaurant Week, which will be held in Memphis from March 6 through March 12. This year, it’s expanded to include nine new cities: Atlanta, Birmingham, St. Louis, Baltimore, Washington DC, Orlando, Richmond, Nashville and New Orleans. Participating restaurants will offer special rates and plates for all customers who dine during the week-long promotion.

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of the Memphis 100

 

Black History Month in the Bluff City

The Memphis 100 Publisher Renee Malone.

This February, travel through history without leaving the Bluff City. Join the thousands of Americans visiting the National Civil Rights Museum in Downtown Memphis to explore the richness of black history and learn about the struggle for civil rights. Or visit Slave Haven Underground Railroad Museum, an actual stop on the route to freedom, to hear true stories of tremendous courage.

Also, tune into WKNO this month for “Duty of the Hour,” a locally produced documentary that examines the life of Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks, who rose from the streets of segregated Memphis to become a national civil rights icon.

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher of The Memphis 100

 

Welcome to The Memphis 100!

Renee Malone, Publisher

Welcome to The Memphis 100!

Words can motivate supporters or create irreconcilable division. Words can spark infinite possibilities or snuff out belief in positive change. Words can shape a person’s image or their opinions about an issue. Simply put, words have tremendous power.

In partnership with The 100 Companies in cities throughout the United States, KQ Communications will use the power of words to celebrate all things Memphis through The Memphis 100, a new every-other-week collection of 100-word stories focused on news, information and activities in the Bluff City — a city we are incredibly proud to serve!

– Renee Malone, APR, Publisher, The Memphis 100