There may not be another city in the country that has been influenced by African American culture more than Memphis, Tennessee.

 

Memphis has seen its fair share of the highs and lows, triumphs and tragedies of African American culture, and those past struggles and achievements are embedded throughout the city, in everything you see, hear and taste.

It's in the food — soul food and BBQ. The music —the first great Delta blues and Rock 'n' Roll musicians. It's ingrained in the legends that play guitars on Beale Street, and in the businesses on Main Street.

It can be remembered at Tom Lee Park, named after the African American man who in 1925 risked his life to save 32 European Americans from a sinking steamship (even though he could not swim). And at the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where soul music legends like Otis Redding, Booker T and the Bar-kays launched their renowned careers. And at the incredible Safari House (Styled African Furnishings Application Renaissance Initiative). The Safari House museum of "African style" is the first of its kind in America and perhaps the first of its kind in the world. WLOK Radio Station, 383 S. Second Street - in 1977, Gilliam Communications' WLOK became Memphis' first African-American owned radio station and runs a family-oriented format on AM 1340 (tune in as you drive the tour.) Located four blocks south of Beale Street.

You can find it in the secret cellar and the trap doors of an old estate on North 2nd street, the SlaveHaven/Burkle Estate, once a way station for the runaway slaves of the Underground Railroad.

To say that the history of African American culture has helped shape Memphis is an understatement. More accurately — African American culture is Memphis.