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.”
