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Memphis Community Unites at ‘This is Memphis’ Event

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Community celebration in Memphis with lantern displays

News Summary

The second annual ‘This is Memphis’ event at Beale Street Landing celebrated community spirit and honored local hero Tom Lee. Guests enjoyed nostalgia and exciting plans for upcoming city projects, including a lantern parade. Art Davis, interim CEO of the Memphis River Parks Partnership, expressed his commitment to fostering community ownership of parks and enhancing public spaces throughout Memphis. The event highlighted the importance of heroism and compassion as the city looks toward a bright future, continuing its efforts to revitalize public parks.

Memphis Celebrates Community Spirit at “This is Memphis” Event

In the heart of Memphis, a beautiful celebration took place last Saturday night at Beale Street Landing as the community came together for the second annual “This is Memphis” event. Organized by the Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) along with the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), the evening was filled with camaraderie, nostalgia, and excitement for the future.

A Tribute to Local Hero Tom Lee

The spotlight of the night was none other than Tom Lee Park, named after the local hero who displayed bravery on that fateful day of May 8, 1925. On that day, Lee saved 32 people after a sternwheeler accident on the mighty Mississippi River, an event marked this year as the 100th anniversary. A tribute to Tom Lee reminded everyone of the importance of heroism and compassion in today’s society.

Charmeal Neely-Alexander, a direct descendant of Tom Lee, took a moment to express her heartfelt gratitude for the homage paid to her ancestor. She emphasized the significance of showing compassion and humanity to one another, a message that resonated well with the attendees.

Exciting Plans Unveiled

As part of honoring Tom Lee, the MRPP announced some exhilarating plans for a lantern parade that will take place during 901 Day. This parade will be a dazzling display featuring at least 100 lanterns crafted by local Memphians. The upcoming event promises to blend art, culture, and history, inviting the community to actively participate and feel a sense of ownership over their local parks.

Community Ownership and Future Developments

Art Davis, the acting CEO of MRPP, shared his vision of fostering community ownership and connection to the park and its history. The focus is on not just preserving the past but creating an engaging future for all Memphians. Mayor Paul Young graced the event with his presence and shared in the excitement surrounding new developments sprouting up throughout the city.

Investing in Memphis Parks

It’s been a remarkable journey for MRPP, which has raised over $80 million for revitalizing and enhancing public parks throughout Memphis. This cash infusion is vital in maintaining the city’s beautiful landscapes while providing safe and inviting spaces for recreation.

In the lead-up to 901 Day, the partnership will also host workshops designed to involve the community further in these ongoing projects. It’s an exciting time, and it looks like there are plenty of opportunities for residents to lend a hand and learn about their local parks!

Leadership Changes and Future Goals

In a transition period, Art Davis has stepped up as the interim CEO of MRPP following the departure of Carol Coletta, who led the organization since 2017. Under her leadership, significant strides were made including the completion of four major park projects and raising substantial funds via public-private partnerships. Davis, who will continue his role as COO during the search for a permanent CEO, has already showcased his prowess in securing a whopping $3.7 million in federal grants and an additional $3 million in earmark funding.

As Davis has stepped into this interim role, the MRPP board, led by Shanea McKinney, is wholly supportive of his leadership during this critical time. The board remains committed to finding a visionary leader who can help chart the course for the organization’s future.

A Bright Future Ahead

With challenges on the horizon, the MRPP is optimistic about the next several years. They anticipate that the path ahead will be just as tough, if not more impactful, than what they have already achieved. The counseling of community members, city leaders, and passionate individuals will undoubtedly be crucial in pushing forward the parks and spaces that make Memphis such a vibrant place.

This year’s “This is Memphis” event was a beautiful reminder of how community spirit, history, and future goals intertwine to create a better, brighter Memphis for all.

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Additional Resources

HERE Memphis
Author: HERE Memphis

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