FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
A Free Celebration of Music, College Spirit, and Community Featuring the Memphis Youth Arts Initiative (MYAI) Marching Band, LeMoyne-Owen’s Majestic Sounds of the South, DJs and More!
Free We Are Memphis “BringYourSoul” T-shirts to the First 150 Fans
MEMPHIS, TN – October 15, 2025 – Memphis Brand today announced that this Saturday, Memphians will gather for the Memphis Homecoming Kickoff Presented by First Horizon Bank, a citywide celebration bringing together the University of Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College, and Rhodes College for one day of music, community, and Memphis pride.
The free event begins at 1:00 PM at Handy Park on Beale Street, inviting students, alumni, and residents to celebrate the start of Memphis Homecoming Week 2025. The first 150 fans will receive a free We Are Memphis Bring Your Soul t-shirt, courtesy of First Horizon Bank, as part of a special giveaway celebrating Memphis pride. Throughout the day, will keep the crowd energized, while local vendors offer apparel, art, accessories, and home goods to get guests ready for upcoming homecoming festivities.
The celebration will include special performance by the Memphis Youth Arts Initiative (MYAI) Marching Band, whose mission bridges creativity, education, and opportunity—empowering Memphis youth to connect with higher education and the city’s musical legacy. The lineup also includes University Showcases from all three participating institutions, including the LeMoyne-Owen College “Majestic Sounds of the South” Marching Band, the only HBCU marching band in Memphis. DJ Sola Steph epresenting the University of Memphis throughout the celebration, and dynamic group Twin Fiction of Rhodes College will rock the stage. Spokespeople from each college will represent their schools and highlight the unity that defines Memphis’ academic and cultural landscape.
The Memphis Homecoming Kickoff marks the beginning of a historic celebration—for the first time ever, all three institutions will hold their official Homecoming weekends simultaneously, October 24–26, 2025. The event serves as a unifying moment for students, alumni, and the community to celebrate pride, legacy, and connection across campuses and neighborhoods.
In partnership with Memphis Brand, First Horizon is also launching the #MemphisMemories Challenge—a social media campaign honoring the stories, faces, and moments that make Memphis unforgettable. Participants are invited to share a favorite photo, video, or story that captures their Memphis pride, tagging @wearememphistn and @first_horizon using #MemphisMemories. From campus traditions to Beale Street moments, every post adds to the shared story of who we are as a city.
For information on all Memphis Homecoming Week activities, visit www.MemphisHomecoming.com.
About First Horizon Bank
First Horizon Corporation is a leading regional financial services company dedicated to helping clients, communities, and associates unlock their full potential. Headquartered in Memphis, TN, First Horizon Bank operates in 12 southern states and offers a range of financial services including commercial, small business, private banking, and wealth management. Recognized by Fortune and Forbes as one of the nation’s best employers, First Horizon remains committed to strengthening communities across the region. Learn more at www.firsthorizon.com.
About Memphis Brand
Memphis Brand is a nonprofit organization dedicated to shaping and promoting the civic identity of Memphis. Through storytelling, partnerships, and campaigns that highlight the city’s creativity, inclusivity, and entrepreneurial spirit, Memphis Brand powers the We Are Memphis platform to uplift local voices and drive community pride. Learn more at www.memphisbrand.org.
