Memphis is an inherent culture driver with sprawling arts, entertainment and entrepreneurial scenes
As the largest Black city in America, Memphis is an inherent culture driver with sprawling arts, entertainment and entrepreneurial scenes. Although it is known for being the home of Sun Studio–the place where artists like B.B. King, Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley famously recorded albums–Memphis also boasts phenomenal landmarks, a thriving atmosphere for musicians and an impressive culinary scene. Here is Under The Radar’s tailored Memphis guide for culture lovers.
Grab a caffeinated beverage at Cxffeeblack at Anti-Gentrification Cxffee Club
This Afrocentric coffee company, founded by Bartholomew Jones and wife Renata Henderson, is education-based and hopes to return coffee back to its African roots. What started in 2019 as an all Black coffee supply chain from Ethiopia to Memphis has flourished into a pedagogic center and cultural hub. Their Barista Exchange and Specialist-in-Training programs foster coffee specialty skills and promote career development to members of the community.
The location itself has a cozy and warm vibe, which houses not just a variety of coffee flavors–with both pre-made and made to order drinks–but also apparel that features phrases like “Love Black People Like You Love Black Cxffee.” Henderson tells Under The Radar that Cxffeeblack, which was recently featured at the PGA Tour, is thriving because “people have wanted to see Blackness expressed in its purest form.” “And I think coming here, you’re able to be the Black that you are,” she says.
Take a tour of the National Civil Rights Museum
The National Civil Rights Museum, which was established in 1991, is located at the former Lorraine Motel–the site where civil rights icon Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated in 1968. In 2013 and 2014, the museum underwent a $27.5 million renovation and added dozens of new films and more interactive media. That investment has surely paid off, with travelers from around the country visiting the space annually.
The museum’s newest exhibition, entitled “The Southern Heritage Classic: Celebrating 35 Years of an HBCU Memphis Tradition,” honors the Black college football experience. The interactive tour begins with the history of slavery and takes attendees on a journey through Black resistance. From the Civil War to the Civil Rights Movement to Barack Obama’s presidency, the National Civil Rights Museum explores Black history through a powerful and necessary lens.
Have lunch at the legendary Four Way restaurant
Establishments just don’t come as storied as Memphis’ legendary Four Way restaurant. Opened by Irene and Clint Cleaves in 1946, the diner–which has become a pillar in South Memphis–serves a variety of savory soul food including fried chicken, turkey and dressing, yams, macaroni and cheese and other items. Over the years, a score of famous people have stopped by to enjoy the Four Way’s offerings.
That list includes Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rev. Jesse Jackson, Al Green, Tina Turner and Elvis Presley. From the time that it opened, the Four Way was visited by Black and white diners alike and served as a gathering place during the Civil Rights Era. Now owned by Patrice Bates Thompson, some of the Four Way’s more contemporary patrons include Connect Music founder and CEO George Monger. Monger has devoted his startup to helping Black artists gain valuable industry knowledge and ultimately own their music.
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