Front Cover Photo Credit (top to bottom, left to right):
Booker T. Washington Parent Meeting (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Booker T. Washington Masonry Class (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Isaac Hayes / Stax Records (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Lorraine Motel (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Charles Harrison Mason (Hooks Brothers Photography); Maxine Smith (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Benjamin L. Hooks (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Andrewnetta Hawkins Jones (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Robert Church Jr. (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Dr. Christopher M. Roulacn (Hooks Brothers Photography); I Am A Man Plaza (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Historic Marker - Freedman School (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Booker T. Washington Home Economics Class (Memphis & Shelby County Room).
Copyright MMXXV
THE SOUTH CITY MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER (SCMCC)
The South City Museum and Cultural Center
RESPECTING OUR PAST
Renowned for its profound cultural and historical resonance, South Memphis stands as a cornerstone within the African American community of Memphis, Tennessee. From this community has emerged a plethora of influential figures spanning civic leadership, entrepreneurship, politics, the arts, athletics, and more, each leaving an indelible mark on the city’s landscape.
South Memphis is a place where visionaries recognized the power of unity and the need to pool resources for prosperity. Its streets resonate with the voices of those who fought for equality, demanding essential rights for housing, safety, and education. Despite numerous challenges, the area’s triumphs stand tall, etching within the community the remarkable imprints of resilience and resistance. The struggles and victories have woven an intricate tapestry, painting South Memphis as a beacon of change, hope, and freedom for people of color.
Within the heart of South Memphis, a rich history beats. Its steady pulsating rhythm is a testament to the remarkable achievements of its residents. Within South Memphis’ embrace lie institutions of learning, houses of worship, bustling enterprises, and transformative housing developments, all of which have left an enduring imprint on the local community and the wider City of Memphis.
SOUTH MEMPHIS SOUTH MEMPHIS
SOUTH MEMPHIS SOUTH MEMPHIS
SOUTH MEMPHIS
In 2015, the Memphis Housing Authority (MHA) and the City of Memphis were awarded a $30 million Choice Neighborhoods Initiative (CNI) grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of the grant was to help fund the implementation of a Comprehensive Transformation Plan designed to serve as a catalyst to redevelop the Foote Homes public housing site and revitalize the surrounding neighborhood.
As the Transformation Plan evolved, it was apparent that part of South Memphis was uniquely positioned for a radical neighborhood transformation. While the neighborhood suffered from concentrated distressed housing, the adverse effects of incompatible land use, and high rates of unemployment and violent crime, the area had positive attributes, such as its rich African American history and endless potential for tourism. Additionally, its close proximity to Downtown and the Medical District along with recent housing and economic development investments, began to breathe new life into the neighborhood.
THE SOUTH CITY
As part of the HUD-funded CNI Transformation Plan, “South City” was born. The vision for South City is to create a vibrant and sustainable community of choice with neighborhood amenities that include quality housing, high achieving schools, healthcare resources, healthy food options, and economic development opportunities.
The boundaries for South City were drawn to give this “no man’s land” nestled between historic Beale Street, the riverfront, the Medical District, and Soulsville, a neighborhood identity. This section of South Memphis is locally defined and recognized by its association with iconic landmarks such as the National Civil Rights Museum, Clayborn Temple, Memphis Central Station, and the Memphis Heritage Trail.
Photo Credit (left to right): Multi-family units in Foote Park at South City (McCormack Baron Salazar); Playground in Foote Park at South City (McCormack Baron Salazar). Opposite page: Aerial view of Foote Park at South City (McCormack Baron Salazar).
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT
“SOUTH
CITY”
Although the museum focuses on South Memphis, the name “South City” Museum and Cultural Center was adopted to reinforce the museum’s location and identity within the redevelopment area. South City is now entering an exciting phase with new housing, businesses, and opportunities that will usher in the resurgence of a vibrant and thriving community.
The future home of SCMCC is steeped in historical significance, located within what was once Porter Junior High. One of the first public junior high schools serving African American students in Memphis, Porter Junior High was a nurturing ground for the development of numerous prominent figures within the community. It was selected by local government as a school board investment to maintain the status quo of racial segregation in schools, after the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1954 landmark ruling in the case of Brown vs. Board of Education. Porter Junior High also served as a feeder school to Booker T. Washington High School, the first public African American high school in the city.
Today, the legacy of this esteemed institution lives on through the proposed redevelopment. Envisioned as a dynamic mixed-use community hub, the revitalized space will serve as a focal point for education and empowerment. It will also serve as home to the South City Early Childhood Education Center.
With the inclusion of the Early Childhood Education Center, the Porter Junior High building is returning to its original purpose of educating young African American children. In addition to featuring the South City Museum and Cultural Center, the facility will encompass spaces for nonprofit initiatives, offices, housing, and other commercial ventures, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and economic growth.
The South City Museum and Cultural Center 7
Photo Credit: Dr. Charles Champion adjacent to State Historical Marker ( (Memphis & Shelby County Room).
HELP US BUILD A PLACE TO PRESERVE THE LEGACY AND HERITAGE OF SOUTH MEMPHIS
SCMCC will be a place committed to preserving and promoting the rich heritage and legacy of this remarkable area. By sharing its stories and honoring its luminaries, the museum can kindle a flame of inspiration in current and future generations.
Photo Credit (top to bottom, left to right): Irene Cleaves (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Memphis Red Sox (Memphis & Shelby County Room); T. O. Jones (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Ben Hooks, Unknown Man, Russel Sugarman, A. W. Willis Jr. (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Blair T. Hunt, Alma Rouhlac Booth, Ron Walters (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Johnetta Walker, Dr. J. E. Walker, Lela Walker, A. Maceo Walker (Hooks Brothers Photography); Dr. Walter L. Walker (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Dwania Kyles, Gwendolyn Kyles, A. W. Willis Jr, Menelik Fombi (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Robert & Henry Hooks (Memphis & Shelby County Room).
OUR Vision
To create a place where we commemorate the past and celebrate the future, showcasing the history of one of Memphis’ oldest African American neighborhoods.
OUR Mission
To build a collaborative space for education, entertainment, and inspiration. With your help, we will:
Illuminate the significance of the area through storytelling and 3D artifacts.
Chronicle historically significant people, places, and events.
Create a gathering space that is open and available to all. Partner with other community organizations to provide educational and economic opportunities.
THE SOUTH CITY MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER COMMEMORATE.
Visitors to the South City Museum and Cultural Center will embark on a captivating journey through the annals of South Memphis. A carefully curated collection of photographs, artifacts, and narratives passed down by generations of residents and their ancestors will allow guests to delve deep into the tapestry of this historic community. Each exhibit and story will offer a glimpse into the lived experiences, triumphs, and challenges that shaped South Memphis into the cherished locale it is today.
Guests will learn about the achievements of African Americans of different eras and life experiences, such as millionaire entrepreneur Robert Church, Sr., activist Maxine Smith, “The World’s Oldest Teenager” entertainer Rufus Thomas, and nationally renowned artist Brenda Joysmith. Each hailed South Memphis as home, and their experiences helped shape their remarkable journeys.
SCMCC is not just a museum; it is a living testament to the resilience and spirit of a community that invites visitors to connect with its heritage in a profound and meaningful way.
ILLUMINATE. CELEBRATE. INSPIRE.
CULTURAL CENTER FOR THE COMMUNITY
The South City Museum and Cultural Center will be a catalyst for artistic expression, intellectual discourse, and collaborative problem-solving. Whether attending performances, participating in workshops, or engaging in thought-provoking conversations, community members will find a welcoming environment that fosters creativity, connection, and collective growth.
Once the museum opens, community members can participate in the ideation and curation of center events.
SCMCC is not just a museum; it’s a dynamic platform for celebrating culture, exchanging ideas, and strengthening neighborhood and community bonds.
Photo Credit: Robert Church Jr. (Memphis & Shelby County Room); T. Hays & Sons (Hooks Brothers Photography).
The South City Museum and Cultural Center
WE’RE OFF TO A GREAT START
Before you can lay the foundation, you must have plans and a great team of professionals. We have assembled an Advisory Committee and Interpretive Planning Committee to help the South City Museum and Cultural Center grow from an idea to reality.
The South City Museum and Cultural Center will feature:
• Over 18,000 sq/ft of Exhibit Space
• Permanent and Temporary Exhibits and Galleries
• Authentic Artifacts (3D Items and Models)
• Interactive Exhibits and Oral Histories
• Historical Photos and Documents
• Opening and Exhibit Videos
• Museum Gift Shop
Photo Credit: Booker T. Washington Parent Meeting (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Lorraine Motel (Memphis & Shelby County Room).
The South City Museum and Cultural Center will feature eight pillars of legacy, each dedicated to a unique theme of exploration and storytelling. These themes will delve into diverse areas displaying the rich narrative of the people, organizations, places, historic events, and community treasures that make South Memphis a truly wonderful place.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Each member of our Board of Directors is a native of South Memphis, with the exception of Kevin Thompson, whose vast museum experience and dedication to the project have earned him honorary native son status.
Archie Willis III, Founder and Board Chair
President, ComCap Partners
Linda Williams, Secretary
Retired President/CEO, RISE Foundation, Inc.
Joy Bowen, Treasurer
Senior Vice President, Treasury Management Advisor, Pinnacle Bank
Marlon Foster
Executive Director, Knowledge Quest
Estella Mayhue-Greer President/CEO Emeritus, Mid-South Food Bank
Rodney B. Herenton
Founder, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Business Development & Strategy Officer, Channing Capital Management
Kevin Thompson Executive Director, Memphis Museum of Science and History
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Our Advisory Committee is composed of South Memphis community members who will help fulfill the museum’s mission. The committee will assist with storytelling and artifact collection and contribute to the research that will be used to create the exhibits.
Advisory Committee
membership List
Patrice Bates-Thompson
Leonard Draper
Art Gilliam, Jr.
Dr. George Grant
Willie Gregory
Billy Jones
Fred Jones
Stephen Lee
Robert Lipscomb
Diane Marshall-Young
Marie Milam
Thomas Milam
Lawrence “Boo” Mitchell
Marlon Mitchell
Dr. Inetta Rogers
Lois Stockton
Jimmie Tucker
Elaine Turner
Jesse Turner
Vivian Walker
Ron Walter
Linda Williams
Roby Williams
Rosalyn Willis
The South City Museum and Cultural Center
Photo Credit: Universal Life Insurance Executive Committee (Hooks Brothers Photography).
Beverly Robertson
Committee Facilitator
Principal, TRUST Marketing & Communication
Past President, National Civil Rights Museum
Past President, Memphis Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Aram Goudsouzian
Bizot Family Professor of History, University of Memphis
Dr. Earnestine Jenkins
Professor of Art History, University of Memphis
INTERPRETIVE PLANNING
The Interpretive Planning Committee is charged with providing authentic storylines that will guide the museum’s themes and exhibit flow. It is a small group that includes museum leadership, museum professionals, academic researchers, and historians.
Dr. Charles McKinney
Neville Frierson Bryan Chair of Africana Studies, Rhodes College
Raka Nandi
Director of Exhibits and Collections, Memphis Museum of Science & History
Dr. Carroll Van West
State Historian and Director, Center for Historic Preservation, Middle Tennessee State University
Ron Walter
Retired Political Advisor and Historian
Linda Williams
Retired President & CEO, Rise Foundation
Archie Willis III President, ComCap Partners
Dr. Keith Wood
Educator, Sports Coach, and Book Author
COMMITTEE
Every museum has a story to tell—and the most powerful stories begin with great storytellers.
We are excited to welcome Dr. Earnestine Jenkins as the South City Museum’s inaugural Guest Curator.
Dr. Jenkins is a distinguished scholar of African American history and culture. She currently serves as Program Coordinator and Professor of Art History at the University of Memphis. Throughout her career, she has also collaborated as a consultant, researcher, and guest curator with esteemed institutions including the Art Museum at the University of Memphis, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, Dixon Gallery and Gardens, the Metal Museum, MoSH, and the National Civil Rights Museum.
A proud South Memphis native, Dr. Jenkins has deep ties to the neighborhood. She grew up on James Street with her family, worshipped at Greenwood CME and East Trigg Baptist Churches, and began her education at St. Paul’s Kindergarten and Norris Elementary School. This foundation and connection to the area give her a unique and personal perspective on the stories the museum plans to share.
With her expertise, passion, and deep love for the community, Dr. Jenkins will help the South City Museum and Cultural Center create exhibits that honor South Memphis’ legacy and inspire its future.
South City Museum and Cultural Center leadership has formed several strategic partnerships to help create and develop the museum. Our most comprehensive partnership is with the Memphis Museum of Science and History (MoSH). MoSH is providing both programmatic and operational support and counsel. It serves as an experienced resource as the collection of artifacts and exhibit planning begins. SCMCC has also established partnerships with Rhodes College, University of Memphis, and LeMoyne-Owen College, whose support will include volunteers and scholar participation. We will continue to develop additional partnerships that align with the SCMCC mission, goals, and love for South Memphis.
MUSEUMS ARE EXPENSIVE BUT NOT KNOWING YOUR HISTORY IS MORE COSTLY
The South City Museum and Cultural Center has set in motion plans to be a world-class edutainment destination by transforming the two gymnasiums of the historic Porter Junior High into a vibrant hub of activity. We look forward to welcoming generations to the new creative and compelling haven for South Memphis history and artifacts.
CApitAL CAmpAign goAL
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE
As we embark on this exciting journey, we will need resources to build and sustain our vision. A capital campaign committee has been established to ensure that the South City Museum and Cultural Center has everything required to turn this dream into reality.
Most of the campaign co-chairs are natives of South Memphis who cherish their memories and possess a deep respect for the area.
Each is eager to share why South Memphis is an extraordinary place that still has a profound impact on their lives.
Tyrone Burroughs
Willie Gregory
Rodney B. Herenton
Estella Mayhue-Greer
Lois Stockton
CAmpAign Co-ChAirs
Photo Credit: I Am A Man Plaza (Memphis & Shelby County Room).
PROJECT DEVELOPMENT TIMELINE
With individual, community, and corporate support, we hope to complete the South City Museum and Cultural Center by Q4 2028. A development timeline has been devised to help us meet desired benchmarks and stay on track.
Development Timeline
• Planning and Research: Underway and Ongoing
• Capital Campaign: Q2 2025 – Q1 2027
• Building Design and Renovation: Q3 2025 – Q3 2027
It is vital to ensure that the South City Museum and Cultural Center can exist and thrive for many years to come. To achieve this, we are devising a comprehensive plan outlining the necessary fiduciary steps for long-term sustainability. These steps will include identifying and effectuating all potential revenue streams, including local and national grants, donations, admissions, and merchandise sales.
A portion of the capital campaign will be used to establish an endowment to help support the museum’s annual budget.
We invite you and others to join us in creating the South City Museum and Cultural Center by sharing your gifts. There are several ways to do so:
• Donate funds
• Share wonderful stories about South Memphis
• Share artifacts, pictures, and other items that you believe may be of interest.
Photo Credit: Booker T. Washington Home Economics Class (Memphis & Shelby County Room).
Opposite page: Robert Church Jr., W. C. Handy, Lt. George Lee(Hooks Brothers Photography); Booker T. Washington Woodshop Class (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Harry Williams, Menelik Fombi, Dwania Kyles (Memphis & Shelby County Room); Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas (Memphis & Shelby County Room).
