african american tours memphis tn

Celebrating 40 Years 

PIONEERS IN HERITAGE TOURISM

HERITAGE TOURS

Memphis, Tennessee, is a city steeped in history, and at the heart of its vibrant cultural tapestry is a rich African American heritage that has left an indelible mark on the city's past and present. Heritage Tours in Memphis offer a captivating journey through some of the most prominent African American historical sites, inviting tourists, school groups, church groups, and youth groups to embark on an educational and inspirational experience.

SHARING MEMPHIS WITH THE WORLD

Heritage tours provides cultural and historical sightseeing tours of memphis focusing on the contributions of african americans., the wc handy heritageawards the man. the music. the movement., sunday, december 3, 2023 in downtown memphis.

The W.C. Handy Heritage Awards will celebrate the 150th Birthday of W. C. Handy, "Father of the Blues." Presented by the W. C. Handy Memphis Home & Museum and Heritage Tours, the black-tie musical extravaganza honors "Authentic Beale Street Musicians." This event will be an evening filled with great entertainment and recognition. The awards will be held Sunday, December 3, 2023 at the Halloran at the Orpheum, 225 So. Main St. at 5:00 pm.

In celebrating W. C. Handy's 150th Birthday, the Handy Awards will give special honors to world-renown Jazz musician, Wynton Marsalis with the "Lifetime Music Achievement Award." The McKinney Family Trio, Kurl, Alvin and Paul, will receive the Music Legacy Award. Additional honorees include the Memphis Jazz Workshop members Stephen Lee, Michael Scott and Johnny Yancey as well as the Memphis Gospel Workshop of America (Memphis Chapter). Also receiving awards are R&B and Soul Singer, Larry Springfield and "Beale Street Blues Diva" Joyce Henderson. 

To purchase two or more  tickets at once, call (901) 527-3427 or email us at [email protected] .

W.C. HANDY PARK

W.C. Handy Park & Memphis Museum

Step back in time with a tour of W.C. Handy Park and the Beale Street Historic District.

THE LORRAINE MOTEL

National Civil Rights Museum

Explore the history and legacy of the Civil Rights Movement with a tour of the Lorraine Motel and National Civil Rights Museum.

STAX   MUSEUM  

Soulsville, USA

The Stax Museum in Memphis is a soulful time capsule, preserving the legacy of iconic musicians like Otis Redding and Isaac Hayes, showcasing their music and the history of Stax Records. 

SLAVE HAVEN UNDERGROUND RAILROAD MUSEUM

Slave Haven

Slave Haven, also known as the Burkle Estate, is a hauntingly powerful historical site in Memphis that offers a glimpse into the Underground Railroad's secret network. Visitors can explore hidden passages and rooms that once provided refuge for people seeking freedom.

WHAT  TO EXPECT 

Educational Experience: Our tours are carefully curated to provide historical context and insight into the African American experience in Memphis. They are designed to engage and inform visitors of all ages.

Experienced Guides: Our knowledgeable guides are passionate about Memphis's history and are dedicated to providing an immersive and informative tour experience.

Group-Friendly: Whether you're a school group, church group, or youth group, our tours are suitable for all ages and group sizes. We can tailor the experience to meet the specific needs and interests of your group.

Promoting Cultural Awareness: Our tours promote cultural awareness, foster discussions on social justice, and celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the cultural fabric of Memphis.

Memphis's African American heritage is a source of pride and inspiration, and Heritage Tours invite you to connect with this rich legacy. Come join us for an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and the enduring spirit of Memphis, Tennessee.

OUR REVIEWS

As a photographer, I recently visited Memphis and was honored to be on the Heritage Tour. The tour guide brilliantly depicted the knowledge and strength of rich history and the led us down a journey into our ancestors past. We were teary eyed and moved with deep emotion, learning what many in the South went through so that we could have the privileges we benefit from today. This tour is a must for all those who visit Memphis.

I absolutely loved it. -Master Focus Media

Oh my goodness Mr. Oscar was amazing! We went on a tour  for our family reunion in the area and we were all enchanted by the way he explained historic Memphis to our family! I can’t believe how interesting he was the entire time! He answered questions and took the time to explain everything in such an interesting way! If you are going to Memphis, take this tour! It was truly awesome!

Our family really enjoyed it!

The Greatest Civil Rights Story Ever told

Plan your visit now.

This history is more important than ever.  We remain seriously committed to the safety of our guests and staff and to sharing the stories that changed our nation. We invite you to be a change maker. Schedule your visit the National Civil Rights Museum.

This is the History Behind the Movement

Slavery. Separate but equal. Boycotts. Assassinations. Black power. This is the history of the uprising that pushed national and international civil rights forward.

Museum Events. The Reawakening.

Exciting events, extraordinary speakers and special guests turn civil rights history into a one-of-a-kind museum experience

This Is The Story Of A People

Of hopes and dreams, of challenge and change. It is an American story. This story and struggle that started many centuries ago, continues today — with you.

Explore resources for engaging with the museum on a visit as well as for bringing museum content into the classroom.

Your gift will keep history alive for all generations.

Continue your museum experience with inspirational and unique gifts.

Featured Exhibits

Lest We Forget… Images of the Black Civil Rights Movement

Against the backdrop of Templeton's humble beginnings in the Great Depression, his passion for art blossomed, defying norms to pursue a career in painting. Influenced by Norman Rockwell's iconic Saturday Evening Post covers, he defied convention by choosing art as a career. He was inspired by the turmoil of the 1967 Detroit riots and embarked on a mission to visually document the struggle for equal rights. In his collaboration with Benjamin Mays, creating a list of individuals whose portraits would embody the fight for equal rights, he painted iconic leaders like Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Vice President Hubert Humphrey, A. Phillip Randolph, and others. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated before a sitting could be scheduled, so for Dr. King’s portrait, Coretta Scott King helped Templeton choose the photo which became the basis of Templeton’s largest and most impressive portrait.

Voices of the Civil Rights Movement

This walk-up kiosk combines two video archives into one interactive display. The exhibit runs for multiple years.

National Civil Rights Museum Blogs

There’s plenty of history in the making here at the National Civil Rights Museum.

Mississippi Burning: From Murder Mayhem to a Mighty Mission

by Ryan M. Jones, Associate Curator  Sixty years ago, the state of Mississippi was a hotbed for civil rights. It led the nation in racially motivated...

Juneteenth: History Moves Us Forward

by Dr. Russ Wigginton, President    In the vast tapestry of American history, Juneteenth stands as a profound testament to the resilience, fortitude, and enduring struggle of...

Museum Statement on the Passing of Rev. James Lawson

The National Civil Rights Museum is deeply saddened by the passing of civil rights philosopher and strategist, Rev. James M. Lawson, Jr.     Participating in several museum...

Make History. Share History.

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2.5 Hours Essence Of Memphis African American History Tour - With Reviews & Ratings

• Memphis Tours
• Culture & Theme Based Tours
• Local Culture & Education Tours

2.5 Hours Essence Of Memphis African American History Tour

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Tour Information

Key Details

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• Duration: 2 Hrs 30 Mins
• Language: English
• Departure Time : 9:45am or 1:00pm
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• Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.

On this 2.5 hour African American History tour, we will be your "conductor" and take you on a journey through Memphis that will be sure to open your eyes to some of the most historical sites connected to slavery through to the Civil Rights Movement and beyond. There is so much more to Memphis than Downtown to experience, so we will also explore some of our interestingneighborhoods. This tour is for residents, families, and visitors who are looking for the activities to do that are safe, fun and insightful.

Know More about this tour

From our vehicle you will see the balcony of the Lorraine Motel, room 306 where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. This is also the location of the National Civil Rights Museum. This was once the home of Jacob Burkle, a German immigrant who chose to participate in the Underground Railroad. This home was a stop on the Underground Railroad and is now a museum. We will tell you the "rest of the story" about this most iconic street. Once referred to as the Negro Mainstreet USA. This is the world headquarters for the Church of God in Christ. It was here where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his last speech, "I've Been to the Mountaintop" less than 24 hours before he was assassinated. It was in this church, built in the late 1800's, Sanitation Workers gathered to strategize the strike that caused Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to come to Memphis .

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Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

3 person minimum required.

Dress code is smart casual

This tour does not stop for guests to visit museums. Visits can be made at your leisure on your own. We will drive by sites with narration.

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Traveler Reviews

This tour was a great and wonderful experience and excitingly educational. The tour guide did a awesome job of explaining the culture and history of Memphis and made the tour a good experience with their wonderful southern hospitality.

This tour company is the best. The owner and tour guide C. Michael-Banks is top of the line. Professional, so knowledgeable about all things Memphis, entertaining, and didactic. We learned so much and the time flew by. My family was so blessed and impressed. Thank Memphis tourism for suggesting her. Thank you"Queen for providing a family reunion tour that we will cherish forever.

This was a FIVE STAR tour from start to finish. Ms Jackie was a wealth of knowledge, entertaining and professional. The vehicle was spotless and the right temperature. I definately recommend this tour even for the locals. A GREAT TIME!

I loved Ms. Jackie !!!! She is full of knowledge and her ability to transition from story telling, song and jokes was amazing! I Really enjoyed my tour with her and would recommend her to anyone that wants to take a fun, educational and engaging tour of Memphis! Ms. Jackie you are AMAZING ! - Kandice Buffalo, NY

Lots of knowledge and excellent tour guide! She also has an amazing voice and it hits your soul Would highly recommend her again!!!

Loved Ms. Jackie’s commentary, excitement, showcasing her acting skills and musical talents. Great!!

Went solo, but met three wonderful women and the experience resulted in an authentic engagement. Jackie, our tour guide was absolutely outstanding. She told the stories of African Americans citizens of Memphis that was enlightening, inspiring and engaging accurately.

We absolutely enjoyed our tour with Ms. Jackie! What a wonderful experience to learn about the rich historical value of Memphis! We left knowing so much more than we expected. A huge shoutout to Ms. Jackie for her ability to blend history with the historical sites and her amazing talent! Thank you so much for this tour!

American Flatbread in Rockport has a great 'barn' location, neat atmosphere. Buffalo chicken flatbread was delicious! Evolution salad was killer.....very fresh and loaded with goodies. Good service. And amazingly, unlike almost every other restaurant in the area, they are open 7 days a week. Would return!

My tour guide was profesional, knowledgeble. Jav was extraordinary. On my tour there were locals and they were thrill also for the facts. Carolyn make me feel well attended , excellent communication and transportation clean and confortable , pick up time perfect. The trip took us to a great experience. We got extra time for pictures. Couldnt beleive the hours pass so fast. I Wilfrido be back for more .

• Call 800.437.2323
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4 Days / 3 Nights

Departure from your location may require en route lodging. Call for details.

The Soul of Memphis, TN – African American Heritage Tour – NEW!

A group bus tour, this package includes:.

• 3 Nights Lodging
• 3 Breakfasts
• 3 Dinners, including BB King's Palace Cafe
• African-American City Tour includes: - Robert Church Park - Elmwood Cemetery - Lemoyne Owen College
• Free Time on Beale Street
• American Soul Music at Stax Museum
• "Roots" Tour in Henning, Tennessee
• Slavehaven Underground Railroad Museum
• National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Hotel)
• Alex Haley Home and Burial Site
• Gift for All
• Luggage Handling
• All Taxes and Meal Gratuities
• 2 Comps Per Bus of 40 or more

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African-American Heritage in Memphis in Memphis

For many people, the city of Memphis is synonymous with one of the most significant, and saddest, events in recent American history -- the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Lorraine Motel, where King was staying when he was shot, has in the years since the assassination become the National Civil Rights Museum (pictured above).

Long before the civil rights movement brought King to Memphis, the city had already become one of the most important cities in the South for black people. After the Civil War and the abolition of slavery, Memphis became a magnet for African Americans, who came here seeking economic opportunities. Beale Street was where they headed to start their search. Beale Street's most famous citizen was W. C. Handy, the father of the blues, who first put down on paper the blues born in the cotton fields of the Mississippi Delta. W. C. Handy Park, with its statue of the famous blues musician, is about halfway down Beale Street, and Handy's small house, now the W. C. Handy House Museum , is also now on Beale Street. At the Memphis Rock 'N' Soul Museum , just a block off Beale Street, you can learn more about Handy and other famous African-American blues musicians who found a place for their music. Best of all is the Soulsville USA: Stax Museum of American Soul Music , which has been drawing rave reviews since it opened a few years ago in a resurgent South Memphis neighborhood. Another museum with exhibits on famous black musicians is the Pink Palace Museum .

Church Park, on the corner of Beale and Fourth streets (and once the site of a large auditorium), was established by Robert R. Church, a former slave and Memphis businessman who became the city's first black millionaire. The park was a gathering place for African Americans in the early 1900s, when restrictive Jim Crow laws segregated city parks.

Gospel music was part of the inspiration for the blues that W. C. Handy wrote, and that music came from the churches of the black community. The tradition of rousing musical accompaniment in church continues at many of the city's churches, but none is more famous than the Full Gospel Tabernacle, 787 Hale Rd. (tel. 901/396-9192 ), which is where one-time soul-music star Al Green now takes to the pulpit as a minister. Sunday service is at 11am. Mason Temple Church of God in Christ, 930 Mason St. (tel. 901/947-9300 ), is the international headquarters of the Church of God in Christ and was where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., gave his "I've been to the mountaintop" speech shortly before his death. Tourists are welcome to visit and step inside. Donations are accepted. Sunday services are no longer held here, however.

If you'd like a guide to lead you through the most important sites in Memphis's African-American heritage, contact Heritage Tours (tel. 901/527-3427 ), which offers both a 1-hour Beale Street Walking Tour and 3- to 4-hour Memphis Black Heritage Tour.

Heritage Tours also visits another worthwhile out-of-town attraction, the Alex Haley House Museum (tel. 731/738-2240 ). If you prefer to go on your own, it's a pleasant day trip by car to reach the small town of Henning, about 45 miles north of downtown Memphis on U.S. 51. The home is now a museum containing memorabilia and old portraits of the Haley family. Nearby is the family burial site, where Haley (author of Roots: The Saga of an American Family ) and many of his ancestors, including Chicken George, are buried. The museum is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm and Sunday 1 to 5pm. Admission is $10 for adults, $9 for seniors and $8 for kids.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Memphis Heritage Trail

A Living Celebration Of African-American History And Achievement

The memphis heritage trail (mht) is a cultural district and expansive community redevelopment plan to celebrate the rich business, cultural, and musical heritage of african american achievements in memphis, tennessee. it aims to educate and promote an appreciation for diversity, history, and culture to a global audience through authentic interactive experiences. mht covers a historic 20-block redevelopment area in south city and also links to the historic orange mound and soulsville communities..

Memphis Heritage Trail I AM A MAN

Historical markers placed around Memphis that educate and inspire.

Memphis Heritage Trail is a walking museum that covers a historic 20-block redevelopment area in South Memphis, Downtown, and also has links to the historic Orange Mound and Soulsville USA communities.

Get the App

Download the app now to view historical context and videos or to take the Memphis Heritage Tour Journey of African American History via the app.

Get the Brochure

You can also download the Memphis Heritage Trail brochure here and learn more about the interesting people and places on the historic trail.

A curriculum catered specifically for the African American experience.

A curriculum featuring Memphis’ rich African-American history is available for schools.

“This project will transform some of the most important parts of Memphis into unforgettable markers of achievement. New generations of Memphians and Mid-South visitors will know the full story of what made Memphis.”

Revitalizing and rebuilding african american legacies.

The Memphis Heritage Trail project revitalizes some of our city’s most historically important communities while highlighting the unprecedented achievements of the African-Americans who built them.

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest updates on MHT’s progress.

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City of Memphis Div., Housing and Community Development 170  North Main Street, 3rd Floor, Rm 316 Memphis, TN 38103 Office:  901.636.7403 Email:  [email protected]

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

11 Inspiring African American History Tours In The U.S.

• Activities and Interests
• Black History
• Destinations
• Guided Tours
• History and Culture
• Sightseeing
• United States

History tells the story of the past, provides context to the present, and potentially a glimpse into the future. As is often the case, history repeats itself.

There’s no better way to learn about a place than by looking back. History tours can be priceless. After a year when race dominated the national conversation in a way not seen since the 1960s, there’s soul searching and a quest for knowledge and understanding. Start that journey with a guided tour that teaches and entertains.

While self-guided tours allow you to go at your own pace, I’m all for guided tours. You can’t beat having a passionate tour guide who knows the history backward and forward like they lived it. That insight is priceless and heightens the experience twofold.

Here are a few African American history tours to put on your must-go list.

1. Memphis Caravan Tour, Memphis, Tennessee 

A Tour of Possibilities offers this guided 2.5-hour tour of African American history that you enjoy from the comfort of your own car. You hear the guide’s commentary through your car speakers by accessing the link provided upon arrival. The exploration includes sites like the Slave Haven, where you descend the stairs into the dark, damp cellar and peer through the trapdoors and hidden passages where the fugitives were harbored, giving you a glimpse of those turbulent times. It also includes the National Civil Rights Museum/Lorraine Motel (where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated), Beale Street (nicknamed the Home of the Blues), and neighborhoods like Soulsville, South Memphis, Uptown, as well as the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, the I AM A MAN Plaza, and plenty more. Admission is $66.

For more things to do in Memphis, Tennessee , check out these 16 Fantastic Day Trips From Memphis . 

2. Charleston’s African American History And Heritage, Charleston, South Carolina 

West Africa’s contribution to the heritage and history of the Lowcountry is indisputable. Bulldog Tours explores the influence and experience of African Americans in Charleston from slavery and Jim Crow, to the Civil Rights struggle. Highlights of the 2-hour walking tour include significant sites like the Aiken Rhett House, Mother Emanuel AME Church, and the Philip Simmons Prayer Garden. Simmons was one of the most celebrated 20th century ironworkers in Charleston. He made more than 500 decorative pieces of ornamental wrought iron gates, fences, balconies, and window grills that dot the Charleston landscape. Adults are $37, children 4–12, $27, with children 3 and under free.

3. Black History River Cruise, San Antonio, Texas 

Twice a month — on the second Sunday and fourth Saturday — The San Antonio African American Community Archive and Museum and GO Rio River Cruises offer a 90-minute African American history tour . You’ll discover how the once richest Black man south of the Mason Dixon line got his start in San Antonio , see the location of the first “free” school for African Americans in San Antonio, learn about the African American 14-year-old male student who helped change San Antonio history, and more. Admission is $25.

4. The Black Journey: African American History Walking Tour, Philadelphia, PA 

This 90-minute tour starts off in front of the Independence Visitor Center and continues across the city at some of the nation’s most important and historical sites such as The President’s House, Congress Hall, Old City Hall, First U.S. Supreme Court Building, American Philosophical Society Museum, Independence Square, Tomb of the Unknown Revolutionary War Soldier, and Bicentennial Moon Tree — the former location of the Philadelphia Prison Site and the oldest continuous piece of land owned by people of African descent. You’ll go to Congo Square, visit the unmarked graves of free and enslaved victims of the yellow fever epidemic, and see where the Fugitive Slave Act was passed in 1793. Walk in the footsteps of enslaved people, abolitionists, slaveholders, and founding fathers. Tickets are $20–$35.

5. The James Brown Family Historical Tour, Augusta, Georgia

Get on the good foot. The Godfather of Soul has a special place in Black history. Nobody sang and danced quite like him. Cherish the memories with a private guided tour of his favorite haunts on a nearly 2-hour tour led by his daughter Deanna Brown-Thomas. You’ll visit his childhood home, spots where he hung out, restaurants, his elementary school, and more. Tours are $15 per person and can be set via the James Brown Family Foundation . 

6. Birding The Harriet Tubman Byway, Bucktown, Maryland 

Start your 4-hour adventure at the Brodess Farm Site in Bucktown. The guided drive and hike are for bird lovers. Harriet Tubman Tours and Delmarva Birding Weekends sponsor this adventure that goes along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad in Dorchester County, Maryland . You’ll learn about Tubman as you make your way through the farms, Chesapeake Bay marshes, and Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, encountering some of the best birding and bald eagle watching. Cost is $65 per person.

If you want to learn more about the Underground Railroad, head north On The Way To Freedom . 

7. The Real Black Wall Street Tour, Tulsa, Oklahoma 

Despite the gravity of the Tulsa Race Massacre, until the 100th anniversary of the massacre this year, little was known about it. This tour will give you an education that might be painful but insightful. The tour takes place through the historic Tulsa district of Greenwood. You’ll hear the details about the people and buildings that were affected by the massacre, and the places that were bombed, including churches and schools. Warning, you might need a hanky. You’ll go through some of the neighborhoods that were leveled. Admission is $15.

8. Black History Tour, Washington, DC 

Washingtonian Christopher W. vows to show you what was left out of textbooks when it comes to the contributions of African Americans with his Tours By Locals . While you’ll get the expected — like the Lincoln Memorial and the spot where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his “I Have A Dream” speech — you’ll also venture to the Frederick Douglass House, Lincoln Park, Howard University, Howard Theater, Ben’s Chili Bowl Mural, African American Civil War Memorial, and the African American History and Culture Museum during the 6-hour tour. Admission is $500 for up to four people.

9. Gullah Tour, Sandy Island, South Carolina 

Just south of Murrells Inlet is Sandy Island, where many of the 120 residents are Gullah Geechee descendants, the culture that originated from West African slaves who worked on the rice plantations in the 1700s. Start the 2-hour tour at the Sandy Island Boat Ramp and take a brief boat ride to Pyatt’s General Store with its African heritage gifts, Gullah Sweetgrass baskets, and more. Then you’ll board a passenger van and make your way around the island to the Sandy Island firehouse, old gravesites, church, community center, library, and more. Admission is $35.

10. Freedom Seekers Heritage Tour, Niagara County, New York 

The Niagara River and Gorge was an important crossing point into Canada for those using the Underground Railroad. For the freedom seekers who passed through the Niagara Frontier, the physical act of crossing the Niagara River represented the final act of courage and determination at the end of a long journey. Motherland Connextions’ tour takes you to key towns and sites. For over 3 hours you’ll visit the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center with its exhibits, scenic built environment, nearby murals of Harriet Tubman and freedom seekers, and more. In Lewiston, there’s the Freedom Crossing Monument on the bank of the Niagara River. The statue honors the courage of freedom seekers who sought a new life in Canada, and those who helped them on their journey across Niagara. Murphy Orchards in Burt is a farm that secretly housed enslaved people on the run in a barn. Another place of refuge is the many canals. You’ll see the Erie Canal in Lockport. The tour is $94 for adults and $67 for children.

11. Duke Street Black History Walking Tour, Alexandria, Virginia 

The 90-minute Manumission guided walking tour along the Duke Street corridor in Old Town Alexandria includes sites connected to the early Alexandria slave trade, such as the former site of Franklin & Armfield and the former Bruin Slave Jail that held the Edmonson sisters. The tour also includes sites that connect to early African Americans’ spirituality like the Shiloh Baptist Church and the Alexandria National Cemetery. You might want to check their other tours too. Freedom’s Fight in Alexandria Walking Tour highlights pre-Civil War history and the stories of runaway slaves, early abolitionists, and more. The Still’s Underground Railroad Walking Tour takes you along the downtown King Street corridor to hear about the Underground Railroad in Alexandria. The Black History in Alexandria bus tour is a 2-hour guided tour that will take you to the Freedom House Museum, Alfred Street Baptist Church, the site of the 1939 Library Sit-In, Contraband & Freedman Cemetery, and more. All Manumission Tours are $15 for adults and $12 for those 12 and under.

Sheryl Nance-Nash is a freelance writer specializing in travel. Her work has appeared on CNTraveler.com, TheDailyBeast, Fodors, Afar, Global Traveler Magazine, ShermansTravel, and Newsweek.com among others.

New African American Gun Club launched in Memphis; organizer plans to focus on lowering gun crimes

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - The second-largest gun club in the country is making an even larger footprint in Memphis.

The National African American Gun Association launched a new chapter in Memphis Thursday, making two chapters in the city and 7 across the state of Tennessee.

The first meeting of the 901 Brothers Sisters Keeper Gun Club was held at in New Chicago at the Kukutana African-American Cultural Museum in North Memphis.

The museum is open by appointment only due to the surge in criminal activity.

The African-American Cultural Museum’s owner Carnita Atwater wanted to host the inaugural meeting and become a member to help lower crime in the community.

“It’s imperative that we educate people about gun violence, and also connect gun violence and crime to economic disparities,” said Atwater.

“So, I wanted to be a part of it because I want to bring in the holistic aspect of controlling and owning a gun,” said Atwater.

Bennie Cobb is the President of the new chapter.

Cobb says the group will focus on gun safety such as safe gun storage, community engagement, and self-defense- with an additional focus on educating the city’s youth about guns.

“I see a lot of violence. I understand the violence. I also understand a lot of people have guns, very few people have an understanding of guns and how they work and the responsibility and liability behind them,” said Cobb.

NAAGA has over 100 chapters across the country, only second in size to the National Rifle Association.

Cobb says NAAGA has a diverse membership and welcomes people of all races and ethnicities.

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Out of Bounds: The history of African Americans and golf in Memphis explained

Editor's note: This is an excerpt from "Out of Bounds: A History of African Americans and Golf in Memphis, Tennessee," reprinted with permission from the author, the Rev. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr., who seeks to document the rich history of African Americans in golf in Memphis. The book was released on Juneteenth, June 19, 2024.

When the announcement was made in 2021 of the massive renovations of the Pine Hills Golf Course, the thought occurred to me: What will happen to all of that history?

The history of African Americans in golf, which began at Lincoln Park Golf Course (1935), Douglass Golf Course (1951), and the iconic T.O. Fuller Golf Course (1956), had not been told.

I made a phone call to Bobby Hall, a retired sportswriter for The Commercial Appeal. My opening question was, “Is there a recorded history of the desegregation of golf in Memphis?" Bobby replied that he was not aware of any such documentation, made a couple of referrals, and wished me well.

The next morning, Bobby called me, exclaiming, “Your question about the desegregation of golf in Memphis is one of the most intriguing I've heard since my retirement." I knew then I had a mission: to document this rich history of African Americans and golf in Memphis, Tennessee. When I returned to Memphis in 1973, most African Americans who played golf gathered at T. O. Fuller Golf Course. It was the first 18-hole course built for African Americans during segregation. When T. O. Fuller Golf Course closed in 1987, the venue of choice became Pine Hill. Centrallylocated and easily accessible, Pine Hill was the first municipal golf course in Memphis that allowed African Americans to play. The management there helped build an atmosphere of fraternal relationships.

Lerone Bennett, the celebrated historian, said, “If African-American youth are to make history, they must know their history.” The history of African Americans in golf has not been told. As the author of this work, I fear that if it's not documented in 2022, this rich history will be lost to Alzheimer’s, amnesia, and the passage of time. What a tragedy it would be if golfers were denied the contributions made by African Americans in Memphis, Tennessee.

From the building of golf courses to the manufacturing of golf clubs, African Americans have been there. We cooked in the country clubs, maintained the courses, carried the bags, cleaned the shoes, found the balls, and read the breaks on the greens. We didn’t fight for credit and coverage. We were often told, “Show up, keep up, and shut up.”

I am well beyond adhering to those rules and must now tell the story.

From 1896 to 1962, African Americans could not benefit from the Park System and outdoor recreational opportunities provided by taxpayers in Memphis. Golf was first introduced to Memphis via private country clubs in 1896, and the general public was introduced to it via public courses in the early 1900s.

The exclusion from public parks and golf courses was so severe politically that Robert R. Church Sr. built the first park for African Americans on Beale Street with his own money in 1899. Church Park was said to be the only facility of its kind for African Americans in the country, yet it did not include golf.

If the original premise for creating parks and outdoor recreation was for a “healthier Memphis,” then the exclusion of African Americans meant their physical and mental health did not matter in Memphis, Tennessee.

For about 66 years, African-American golfers were considered “out-of-bounds” in public and private golf clubs in Memphis. The debate continues: “How can the path to the PGA be made smoother? And can we make up for lost time due to racism and blatant discrimination?" The answers may lie in the newly formed LIV (Golf League), which provides new options for African-American golfers. It began with no exclusion of golfers by race and large financial backing. LIV and PGA remain competitive, although in 2023 the two leagues entered a framework agreement to work together.

Golf comes to America

On the wings of immigration in the 18th Century, golf made the Transatlantic trip from Europe to America. Scottish immigrants brought the passion for golf and the skills to make needed equipment. Historians suggest that the origins of golf lie in the boredom of shepherds watching sheep and goats.

While waiting and watching, these shepherds began to hit rocks with sticks. This pastime soon turned competitive, and the competition spread to various villages in Scotland. It was during these street competitions that the popularity of the game began to grow.

Scotland was an ideal setting for this embryonic stage of golf. The landscape, punctuated with open spaces used for pastures, lacked trees, and the grazing sheep and goats kept the grass trimmed low. This shift from the streets to the pasturelands marked a significant development in the game.

While immigration is recognized for facilitating the transport of golf to America, the role of the cotton trade cannot be overlooked. Merchants, eager to supply the mills of Europe with raw material for fabric, found new supply lines in America, especially in the South. This economic activity inadvertently supported the introduction and growth of golf in the region.

Reportedly, the first golf course outside the United Kingdom was the South Carolina Golf Club in Charleston, South Carolina. From Edinburgh, Scotland, to Charleston, South Carolina, golf found a new home in America, setting the stage for its expansion and evolution.

Golf comes to Memphis

Mr. J. P. Edrington is credited with bringing the game of golf to Memphis. On December 10, 1896, a select group of Memphians, eager to play golf, organized the Memphis Golf Club, which later became the Memphis Country Club. J. P. Edrington was elected president and soon dominated the club championships, often being compared to golfing legend Bobby Jones.

The first course was laid out at the head of Peabody Avenue (see diagram). Conveniently, J. P. Edrington lived on Peabody, adjacent to the course. W. V. Hoare was elected as the first professional. The original nine holes, located just north of Vance Avenue near East Street, averaged approximately 300 yards in length, and tomato cans served as holes. Golf clubs were scarce, prompting J. P. Edrington to allow members to use his. By the fall of 1897, the interest in golf had grown significantly in Memphis. Many members purchased their own clubs, cementing golf's place in the city.

The acceptance and growth of golf in Memphis were also influenced by the impact of cotton on the local economy. The surrounding land, once used for cotton cultivation, played a key role. Notably, the Pine Hills Golf Course, now public property, was originally part of a 2000-acre plantation owned by Colonel William Person. Similarly, the Cherokee Country Club originated on farmland near Caperville, east of Memphis; Colonial Country Club was established near Cordova, and Windyke Country Club in the Germantown/Collierville area.

Golf's introduction to America during the post-Reconstruction era of the 19th century coincided with an America deeply entrenched in segregation. The withdrawal of federal troops from the South and the failure of the Freedmen’s Bureau to transform Southern society left the region ripe for the resurgence of old social orders.

Historians cite three main reasons for the failure of Reconstruction: convict leasing, sharecropping, and the unchecked terrorism of the Ku Klux Klan. Add to this the segregation in schools, housing, and jobs, along with lynchings, and one finds America struggling to truly free its former slaves.

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From 1863 to 1963, freedom for African Americans vacillated between dreams and nightmares. Dreams kept hope alive amidst the harsh reality of second and third-class citizenship. The nightmare manifested daily in employment inequities, lynchings, limited access to capital, and unequal public accommodations.

In Memphis, golf quickly became a segregated haven of Anglo-Saxon society. The golf country clubs emerged as citadels of white supremacy, defining specific roles for African Americans as caddies, cooks, janitors, groundskeepers, and greenkeepers.

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In 1900, Memphis began constructing public parks for outdoor recreation. Overton Park allowed non-country club members exposure to golf, yet African Americans were excluded. Riverside was built on the southwest side of Memphis for the growing population, which had reached 102,320 by this time.

In 1899, after numerous failed appeals to city leaders for recreational outlets for African Americans, Robert R. Church Sr. built Church Park on Beale Street. This historic park, built entirely with private funds, did not include a golf course.

Douglas Park, established in 1913 in Northeast Memphis on 53 acres, added a nine-hole golf course in 1951. Lincoln Park, built in 1935 in the Bunkerhills area, originally had a seven-hole course, which was later closed following the construction of the course in Douglas Park.

The book will be on sale at the 8 a.m. June 22 dedication of Pine Hill Golf Course's newly built clubhouse, 930 E. Mallory Ave., Memphis.

The Rev. L. LaSimba M. Gray Jr. is a historian, civil rights leader and pastor emeritus of New Sardis Baptist Church on Holmes Rd. in Memphis.