Honoring Creatives in Memphis This Black History Month

Memphis is a city heavily intertwined with its own Black history. It’s important to us here at We Are Memphis to share ways to support and give back to the 901, so this Black History Month we want to showcase the creatives who are already making history. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the next artist to spread joy and creativity throughout the city through one of these ventures, or your own.

Memphis Black Arts Alliance

The MBAA’s mission is to improve the Greater Memphis area’s economic well-being and quality of life “through the preservation, celebration, and advancement of African American arts, literature, and culture.” They work to engage audiences, organizations, and artists with their programs, grants, and leadership events.

Unapologetic

A collective made up of visual artists, musicians, designers, and more, Unapologetic aims to elevate Memphis’ artistic culture. They provide services to “build ideas” for brands through their four teams: Sound, Visual, Garments, and World App.

Memphis Music Initiative

The MMI aims to “empower youth through music” with their education, programs, and grantmaking efforts. Their mission is driven by providing equitable opportunities for Black and brown youth throughout Memphis by offering transformative music engagement.

Tone

Tone sets out to empower Black artists and creatives around Memphis by prioritizing programming to highlight arts and culture. They “build connectivity in the Black community through partnerships, block parties, storytelling, and more.”

Memphis Slim Collaboratory

The Memphis Slim House is a community gathering place for professionals to share and create music. Their amenities allow creators such as musicians, producers, and other music creatives to join and record demos, host events, and more.

Black Art Visions

Black Art Visions is a Memphis-based business that sells “unframed and framed African American prints and collectibles by established and inspiring artists.” They’re online store includes prints, mugs, magnets, figurines, and more from Black artists.

MidSouth Black Film Festival

Each year, the MidSouth Black Film Festival promotes original films by Black creators. It is “a part of a global outreach to further Black Excellence across the world, in partnership with the Global Black Film Consortium.”

 

 

You Might Also Be Interested In…

 

Beale Street Music Fest ’23 Preview

Beale Street Music Festival is right around the corner and several prominent artists are ready to take the stage. As the festival approaches, we are still learning about some of the great talents on the lineup. Artists both big and small from far and wide are coming together to create […]

 

Ways to Spend a Woman-Owned Weekend in Memphis

By: Ariel Taranski Since March is Women’s History Month and Memphis has so many amazing women-owned and co-owned businesses to support, we decided to showcase them AND give you some ideas for hanging out with your favorite ladies one weekend. A total win-win, right? Here’s your weekend […]

 

Memphis Clubs, Bars, and Venues Where the Blues Still Lives

Although Memphis has undoubtedly earned its title as “The Home of the Blues,” the fact remains that the city’s defining genre isn’t quite as prevalent as it once was. That said, there are still plenty of great options around town to catch some live blues music that will appeal to both locals […]