In Memphis, “soul” isn’t just a word. It’s a pulse, it’s a rhythm, it’s a spark. As proud Memphians, we carry soul in everything we do. Our city isn’t only the home of legendary music or the place where flavor, sound, and spirit collide.
Memphis soul shows up in community impact that stretches far and wide and in the thousands of Memphians lifting each other up every single day. It’s the fire of volunteerism and advocacy burning in our hearts, driving us to dream bigger and push harder for change. It’s the boundless creativity that feeds our hunger to explore and discover. Memphis has always been a city of bold dreams and even bolder love, where soul lives loud and proud. So when you see your neighbors’ faces shining across the city, you’re seeing the pride we all share.
We’ll be sharing stories of how your fellow Memphians connect with our city through ambition, art, food, culture, music, and so much more! Be sure to keep an eye out for billboards across the city featuring some familiar faces!
Quynh Tran
Quynh Tran brings cultural vibrancy to Memphis through the Asian Night Market, a celebration of heritage, food, and artistry that draws thousands each summer. Raised in Memphis after immigrating from Vietnam, she bridges cultures with purpose and creativity. Beyond community work, Quynh is a Sr. Bioinformatics Research Scientist at St. Jude, applying precision and care to clinical trials. Whether curating cultural experiences or advancing science, she leads with heart, creating spaces for unity, empowerment, and unforgettable connection.
Dr. Andrea Jacobo
Dr. Andrea Jacobo is a Health Equity Researcher at the University of Tennessee in Memphis with extensive experience in community health, equity, and resilience. She has led initiatives in nutrition, physical activity, and systemic change while using cultural practices, storytelling, and design thinking to center community voices. She earned her Doctorate in Public Health from UC Berkeley, MPH from the University of Memphis, and BS in Exercise Physiology from the University of Miami. A first-generation Afro-Dominican American, Dr. Jacobo weaves her heritage, art, and poetry into her work, cultivating spaces where health equity, culture, and creativity drive lasting change.
Demarcus Suggs
Demarcus Suggs, the first Director of Memphis’ Office of Creative and Cultural Economy, is connecting culture and commerce to grow opportunities for local artists. From music and film to dance, visual arts, and food, Suggs is championing Memphis’ creative talent and building a vibrant cultural economy for all.
Frances Berry Moreno
Frances Berry Moreno brings a vibrant, contemporary eye to every surface she touches. Through her where is frances platform, she shares original works alongside a living catalog of creativity that spans murals, prints, gift cards, and select merch that carry her color rich, emotive aesthetic. Her shop offers museum quality poster prints and thoughtfully made items that invite art lovers to bring Memphis made energy into everyday life. From largescale wall pieces to small keepsakes, Frances builds a visual world that feels personal, joyous, and full of momentum.
Ena Esco
Ena Esco leads digital radio, podcasting, and TV broadcasting programming for the Lowery Communication Center at LeMoyne-Owen College and is a podcasting cornerstone in Memphis. As host of Verbally Effective, she curates conversations with changemakers across art, culture, politics, and entertainment, building a 300-plus episode archive that amplifies Memphis voices. Her background in radio informs a format that feels intimate and purposeful, and her community work includes serving as innovator in residence at Cossitt Library and founding the PodBox Memphis Podcast Festival. With a mission to elevate stories and spark connection, Ena continues to grow a platform that reflects the city’s soul and momentum.
Art Bully 901
Art Bully 901’s story on Life’s a Playground shares a perspective grounded in creativity and community, inviting audiences into a world that treats expression as a way to inspire and empower. The about page positions the brand as an experience that champions bold ideas and memorable visuals with Memphis spirit at the core.
Matt Harrell
Matt Harrell brings his soul to Memphis every single day. Through his work, his community involvement, and the life he’s built here with his family. As CFO of The Armstrong Company, a third-generation Memphis-based logistics powerhouse that started with just two trucks and a $5,000 loan, Matt is helping lead a $500M enterprise into the future. He’s passionate about developing people and creating meaningful jobs, pushing Armstrong to evolve with market trends while staying true to its Memphis roots. A proud graduate of Christian Brothers University (Class of 2008), Matt fell in love with Memphis during his college years. He and his wife are high school sweethearts from a small town just north of the city, and they never questioned where they belonged. She attended Rhodes, he went to CBU, and together they embraced the city’s energy, opportunity, and soul. The CBU mantra, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve,” continues to guide Matt’s approach to leadership and community engagement. Matt is all in on Memphis. His story is one of growth, grit, and gratitude, and he’s proud to be part of a city that’s always moving forward.
In Memphis, soul isn’t just something you feel—it’s how we live.
Whether through small acts of kindness, big dreams, or a constant drive to innovate, the soul of Memphis is the essence of what makes this city extraordinary. It’s a place where the past, present, and future converge, creating a vibrant tapestry of life that continues to evolve and inspire.
We Are Memphis is dedicated to celebrating the creativity and resilience of our city. We invite you to share your stories, artwork, or music by connecting and tagging us on social media using @wearememphistn and #bringyoursoul.
By joining our movement, you’re helping to amplify the unique spirit of Memphis and contribute to the vibrant culture that makes our city extraordinary. Let’s work together to showcase what makes Memphis so special!
#BringYourSoul!
