Category: Special Sections

Get Ready to Shake, Rattle, and Roll in Tupelo, Mississippi

Post author By Sponsored Content
Post date May 6, 2024

Dean Z in Crowd - photo credit Tupelo Elvis Festival

While Tupelo, Mississippi, celebrates its favorite native son throughout the year, the city rolls out the blue suede carpet each June during the Tupelo Elvis Festival. Held June 6-9, 2024, the festival honors the legacy of Elvis Presley and his immense impact on popular culture in the city where it all began.

The celebration kicks into high gear June 6th with the “Becoming Experience” Youth Day & Competition at the Elvis Presley Birthplace. Young Elvis fans participate in workshops with Elvis tribute artists and compete to earn $1,000, a guitar from Tupelo Hardware Company, and the opportunity to perform on the main stage at the Cadence Bank Arena during the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist finals Saturday morning. A showcase featuring the 30 Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist contestants and the “Welcome Back to Tupelo” concert round out Thursday’s events, followed by the Tupelo Elvis Festival After Party at the Silver Moon Club.

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Competition begins June 7th at the Cadence Bank Arena with festival host Tom Brown and the Tributes in Concert band. Festival participants are invited to Food Truck Friday featuring Tupelo’s delicious food truck fare and a special Stax Museum of American Soul Music Pop-Up experience featuring the Stax Soul Mobile. Other events on Friday include the “Behind the Jumpsuits” Conversations event that delves into the stories of those individuals who keep Elvis’ memory alive, and the “From Tupelo with Love” concert. More after parties round out Friday night’s festivities.

TCB Fights is one of the newest festival events, and features fighters from UFM, HIT Fitness, and other local gyms. The TCB Fights “Decked Out” Weigh In happens June 7th, with the Boxing Event June 8th at 7 p.m. in the Cadence Bank Conference Center. Dress to impress and enjoy fight night with the king.

Lace up your running shoes for the Running with the King 5K at Veteran’s Park June 8th. This annual race takes participants past the Elvis Presley Birthplace and through the neighborhood where Elvis grew up. Sponsored by the Tupelo Running Club, the race is a fast, flat course and benefits the Northeast Mississippi Boys & Girls Club.

The Elvis Tribute Artist Meet & Greets and Tupelo Elvis Fan Club activities take over Downtown Tupelo June 8th. Visit Downtown retailers, meet the tribute artists, and enjoy living history demonstrations. Tupelo Hardware Company, where Gladys Presley purchased Elvis’ first guitar, holds a reenactment of the famous purchase, and guitars are still sold there today. The Stax Museum Soul Mobile makes another appearance Saturday with music, giveaways, and fun for the entire family.

With more than 200 restaurants in Tupelo, planning your next meal is as much fun as the festival revelry. Eat like the king with a visit to Tupelo’s oldest restaurant, Johnnie’s Drive-In, where Elvis liked to eat. Sit in the Elvis booth inside or enjoy carhop service at this operating drive-in. Try the doughburger, a North Mississippi delicacy. Tupelo’s restaurants serve up plenty of other Elvis eats including his favorite fried peanut butter and banana sandwich at Café 212 in Downtown Tupelo. Visit tupelo.net/blog/eat-like-a-king/ to explore all of the scrumptious food inspired by Elvis. Follow #tupelofoodie on Instagram and drool over all of the culinary delights just waiting to be enjoyed.

Johnnies Doughburger – photo: Tupelo Convention & Visitors Bureau

Looking for an experience you can only have in Tupelo? Mississippi’s first and only meadery, Queen’s Reward, is the only meadery in the world that makes mead with 100 percent Mississippi honey. Enjoy a tasting in their exquisite west Tupelo tasting room or enjoy mead by the glass. Mead slushies are a crowd favorite. Can’t decide which one to try? Order the mead slushie sampler and try them all.

Tupelo has more than 2,200 accommodating hotel rooms, so you are sure to get a great night’s sleep after a full day of festival fun. Hotel Tupelo is the city’s newest boutique hotel. Located in the heart of Downtown Tupelo’s Fairpark, Hotel Tupelo has 79 rooms, a bar and restaurant on-site, and an array of local touches that make it a truly unique stay. Just across the street, the Hilton Garden Inn offers guests a comfortable stay in walking distance of all Tupelo Elvis Festival events.

The Tupelo Elvis Festival is the perfect excuse to visit the city where anything is possible. To learn more about the events or to purchase tickets, visit tupeloelvisfestival.com. Plan your trip by visiting tupelo.net and imagine what you can do there!

Elvis Festival Concert – photo: Tupelo Elvis Festival

This article is sponsored by the Tupelo Main Street Association.

Tags Elvis, Elvis Presley, Tupelo

Huey’s Poplar – East Memphis Celebrates 20 Years

Post author By Sponsored Content
Post date April 15, 2024

Huey’s Poplar has long been a staple for great food, friendly service, and the welcome, laid-back atmosphere that’s been synonymous with the local chain since its inception in 1970. On Sunday, April 21st, the restaurant is inviting the public to join them in celebrating 20 years of
serving East Memphis, a community that’s been more loyal than they could have predicted.

Though 20 years is a huge accomplishment, the Huey’s brand began back in 1970, when the original Midtown location (still on the corner of Madison and Tucker to this day) was founded by local Memphian, Allen Gary, whose childhood nickname inspired the restaurant’s name. Gary dreamed of creating a bar that was fun and unique, and a place where he and all his friends could have a good time. Of course, no good time is had without a good burger, and he didn’t have to go far to find the best meat in town. It was just a block down the road, at John Gray Big Star, where he had them grind his secret mix daily.

In 1973, Gary sold his business to Jay Sheffield and Don Wood. During that time, the majority of sales were beer and liquor, and Huey’s was getting a great reputation for live music. And then in 1976, along came Thomas Boggs, who most Memphians know as the face of Huey’s as it’s known today. Boggs — who’d gotten his start in the service and hospitality industries early in life and had gained a wealth of knowledge from restaurant and corporate roles at TGI Fridays — began working at Huey’s Midtown in 1976 as a bartender. Soon after, he signed on as a partner in the restaurant with Jay Sheffield, and with his vast knowledge of the industry, began to see a trend towards casual dining. With that in mind, Boggs began building a menu to transition Huey’s from a bar to a full-service restaurant.

From there on, as they say, the rest is history. Sheffield and Boggs expanded to a second restaurant, which later expanded to five and beyond. Boggs’ children grew up working in the Huey’s stores (among other restaurants) and, eventually, his three daughters and one of his
sons went on to run the company, which they still do today. Now, the local, family-owned chain has 10 locations (eight in Memphis and two in north Mississippi), with the Brews, Blues & Burgers legacy Boggs started going strong. As their father did before them, Huey’s owners continue to focus on providing tasty, high-quality food and the friendliest service in the business.

If you ask any of the Boggs siblings what really sets Huey’s apart, though, they’ll say their decades-long connection to the Memphis community. Huey’s has supported pivotal organizations like the Memphis Zoo, University of Memphis, and Church Health for nearly as long as they’ve been around, and they give back to hundreds of other schools, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits each and every year.

Ashley Robilio, president of Huey’s Restaurants, shares, “Our dad taught us that if you give to the community, the community will give back to you. We’ve always taken that to heart and still operate with that core belief today. We like to be all over the city, so to speak, supporting as many good causes as we can.”

Huey’s Poplar – East Memphis continues to be a shining example of the Huey’s Restaurants legacy. They invite you to celebrate that legacy, along with the grand opening of Huey’s Poplar’s brand-new patio, on Sunday, April 21st, with all-day food discounts (throw-back pricing to
20 years ago!), 2-for-1 beer specials, live music starting at 3 p.m., cake, and more.

Carlisa Reid, Kitchen Manager at Huey’s Poplar To-Go Kitchen; Ashley Hooppaw-Ranson, General Manager at Huey’s Poplar; Danny Knox, Kitchen Manager at Huey’s Poplar

Tags Huey's, Huey's Poplar

Special Sections Sponsored Content

Outdoors Inc Commemorates its 50th Year

Post author By Sponsored Content
Post date March 25, 2024

Outdoors Inc at 5245 Poplar Ave. (Photo: Shelby Scott)

Celebrating its remarkable journey since its inception in 1974, Outdoors In. commemorates its 50th year as a beacon for outdoor enthusiasts and adventurers alike. The origins of Outdoors Inc trace back to when co-founders Joe Royer and Lawrence Migliara merged their passion and entrepreneurial spirit by uniting their paddling companies, West Tennessee White Water Supply and South Central Canoe Base, into what was initially known as a store called The Great Outdoors. This venture was born out of necessity; as avid paddlers and racers, Joe and Lawrence could not find performance outdoor equipment in Memphis. Their first retail outpost was established in spring 1974, marking the beginning of a new era in outdoor retail.

In the early days, the focus was squarely on performance paddling equipment, catering to a niche yet passionate demographic. The founders’ trip to Rainier Mountaineering School was a pivotal moment, broadening their horizon and subsequently the store’s inventory to include climbing and camping gear. It wasn’t long before the brand underwent a significant transformation, adopting the name Outdoors Inc and expanding its product line further to encompass snow ski equipment and apparel. This expansion was timely, coinciding with a period of unusual regional snowfall, allowing Outdoors Inc to sponsor the first-ever Cross Country Ski races in Memphis’ Audubon Park.

The 1980s saw further diversification with the addition of cycling gear to their repertoire, underscoring Outdoors Inc’s commitment to catering to a broad spectrum of outdoor activities. The subsequent years witnessed physical and geographical growth, solidifying Outdoors Inc’s presence as the go-to retailer for skiing and snowboarding in West Tennessee.

Today, Outdoors Inc prides itself on being more than just a retail outlet; it is a cornerstone of the Memphis community, offering not just high-quality gear for a variety of outdoor activities, but also fostering long-term relationships with customers through exceptional service. The commitment to durability and sustainability is evident in the selection of products that promise longevity over disposability, reflecting an environmentally responsible ethos. Outdoors has continued to carry gear and apparel from industry-leading outdoor brands such as Patagonia, Arc’teryx, prAna, Cannondale, Hoka, Teva, Chaco, and more.

The company’s commitment to the community and the environment remains unwavering, as evidenced by its longstanding tradition of hosting events like the Outdoors Inc Canoe and Kayak Race on the Mississippi River that took place for 38 years until the pandemic struck, and the Outdoors Inc Gravel Race that happens every November at Big River Crossing. Outdoors has also partnered with and supported local nonprofit organizations such as Wolf River Conservancy, Overton Park Conservancy, and Shelby Farms Park Conservancy.

As Outdoors Inc marks its 50th year, it reflects on a legacy of innovation, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. It stands as a testament to the vision of its founders and the dedication of its team, promising to continue serving and inspiring outdoor enthusiasts for years to come.

The 50th anniversary of Outdoors Inc is more than just a celebration of its past achievements; it’s a pivotal moment that highlights the company’s role in the outdoor industry and its vision for the future. As Outdoors Inc continues to adapt, innovate, and inspire, it remains a testament to the enduring appeal of the great outdoors and the human spirit’s desire to explore it. Here’s to the next 50 years of adventure, stewardship, and community.

Photo: Shelby Scott
Participants in Outdoors Inc Annual Gravel Race at Big River Crossing

This article is sponsored by Outdoors Inc.

Tags bikes, Memphis, Outdoors, Outdoors Inc.

Special Sections Sponsored Content

“Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment.”

Post author By Sponsored Content
Post date March 18, 2024

Rev. Jesse Jackson (second from right) and members of the clergy gather to lay the ceremonial wreath on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel where Dr. King last stood. Jackson was present at the Lorraine on that fateful day.

The National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel will present a commemoration in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and legacy on Thursday, April 4, the 56th anniversary of his death. Martin Luther King III, wife Arndrea Waters King, and daughter Yolanda. Renee King will participate in the ceremony, which will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. This year, the Museum introduces a youth component with the performing winners of its Youth Poetry and Spoken Word Competition.

The event entitled “Remembering MLK: The Man. The Movement. The Moment.” will be held in the Museum’s courtyard at 4:00 pm Central with a musical prelude followed by the commemorative service at 4:30 pm. Participants can also join the live stream via the museum’s website, YouTube and Facebook platforms.

Martin Luther King III, the oldest son of the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Mrs. Coretta Scott King, will deliver the keynote address. Mr. King is a civil rights advocate and global humanitarian, focusing on addressing the most pressing social justice issues of today. Amplifying his father’s work, Mr. King has devoted his life to promoting global human rights and eradicating racism, violence, and poverty, earning a reputation as a respected international statesman and one of the world’s most passionate advocates for the poor and oppressed.

As chairman of the Drum Major Institute (DMI), a nonprofit rooted in his father’s work over 60 years ago, Mr. King collaborates closely with his wife, Arndrea Waters King and daughter, Yolanda Renee King, to advance Dr. King’s vision of a more just and equitable world. Founded in 1961, the organization focuses on continuing the King legacy through education, action, engagement with world leaders, and collaboration with socially conscious organizations.

Arndrea Waters King, social justice activist and President of Drum Major Institute (DMI), has championed several nonviolence, anti-hate and social change initiatives throughout her life, designing programs to advance understanding and activism. She is a strong supporter of youth activism and believes in helping young people take a peaceful, effective stand for the world issues that concern them most. As president of DMI, she plays a critical role in creating strategic partnerships and managing the daily operations of this active social justice organization.

At 15 years old, Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of Dr. King, is an activist and children’s book author having recently published We Dream A World, a tribute to her grandparent’s legacy. Having appeared on the world stage and in national media interviews, she uses her voice to speak up on key issues including gun violence, climate change, and racial equality.

As a teen creative, Yolanda King will lead the youth segment of the commemoration with words of inspiration and introduction of the “I AM the Legacy” poetry and spoken word winners to be announced this month. The competition is designed for high school students to use the performative art of poetry on topics that identify their thoughts, solutions, or designs on how they envision freedom, equality, and justice for their future. The competition is made possible by The Memphis (TN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated.

“This year, the commemoration is poignant as we elevate the ‘drum major instinct’ Dr. King expressed, but with the fierce urgency of now,” said Dr. Russ Wigginton, Museum President. “Given today’s climate, we recognize we all must move toward greater justice, peace, and righteousness from wherever we stand,” he said.

Each year, the Museum commemorates the tragic event that occurred on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in 1968. This year’s event features a keynote speaker, special performances, fraternal tribute, and changing the balcony wreath with a moment of silence at 6:01 pm Central when Dr. King was slain.

Rev. Dr. Dorothy Sanders Wells, the Rector of St. George’s Episcopal Church, will give remarks. Wells has recently been elected the first woman and first Black person elected as Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi.

W. Crimm Singers AKA Wakanda Chorale, a professional ensemble-in-residence of Tennessee State University’s Big Blue Opera Initiatives, will perform music of the Black experience throughout the diaspora and every genre connected to it with major emphasis on the Negro Spiritual, African American operatic, and concert repertoire, hymnody, and anthems.

During the 4:00 prelude, recorded speeches by Dr. King will broadcast in the museum courtyard. In the event of rain, the event will be held inside the museum’s Hooks Hyde Hall. For more information, visit April4th.org.

Members of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. gather to present a wreath in memory of their fallen brother. Dr. King was a member of the fraternity.

This article is sponsored by National Civil Rights Museum.

Tags Lorraine Motel, Martin Luther King Jr., Memphis, National Civil Rights Museum

Special Sections Sponsored Content

The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence through Policy and Public Safety

Post author By Sponsored Content
Post date March 11, 2024

The National Civil Rights Museum hosted the first of the four-part national convening, “The Reckoning: Community Policing and Accountability” on March 30, weeks after Tyre Nichols’ death. Panelists (l-r) included: U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, sponsor of the George Floyd Act (TX)’ Alex Vitale, professor and coordinator of Policing and Social Justice Project; Cheryl Dorsey, retired LAPD sergeant and social justice advocate; moderator Joy Ann Reid, host of MSNBC’s The Reid Out”; Benjamin Crump, civil rights attorney and Wells’ family counsel; RowVaughn and Rodney Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols.

The National Civil Rights Museum will host the fourth and final national convening, entitled “The Resilience: Combatting Police Violence through Policy and Public Safety,” on March 22, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Renasant Convention Center. As part of “The Reckoning, The Resolve, The Restoration, and The Resilience” series, the museum brings together thought leaders, policymakers, surviving families, and activists to examine the historical connections of systemic racial violence and find solutions for today’s challenges.

“The Resilience symposium is the apex of collaboration among thought leaders and activists whose commitment to public safety, justice, and dignity are born out of love for our communities,” said Museum President, Dr. Russ Wigginton. “Through tough conversations, smart strategies, and ultimate determination, we are destined to build a better world for our children, but we must begin now.”

During the symposium, participants will offer strategies and solutions to tackle police violence through policy-driven, community-led, and trauma-informed alternatives to traditional public safety methods. The event includes an opening panel, facilitated sessions, and a lunch roundtable discussion.

The event format includes:

Opening Panel – From Pain to Purpose: The Courageous Activism of Police Violence Victims. The panel includes Rodney and RowVaughn Wells, parents of Tyre Nichols; Sybrina Fulton, mother of Trayvon Martin; Gwen Carr, mother of Eric Garner; Philonise Floyd, brother of George Floyd. CNN political commentator and author, Symone Sanders Townsend, is the panel moderator.
Facilitated Session I – Enhancing Public Safety through Community-Led & Trauma-Informed Alternatives. This session is led by Eric Cumberbatch of the Center for Policy Equity in New York City. His extensive portfolio of work is focused on undoing the impact of white supremacy in Black communities and placing power in the hands of the most vulnerable people.
Facilitated Session II – Advocating for Police Reform through Effective Policy Solutions. This session is facilitated by Rashawn Ray, professor, author, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and executive director of the AIR Equity Initiative which collaboratively focuses on developing strategies to mitigate the harm caused by segregated communities with emphasis on education, workforce, safety, and health equity.
Lunch Roundtable – Ending Police Violence: Strategies for Cross-Sector Collaboration. The luncheon panel includes Derrick Johnson, National President of NAACP, Raumesh Akbari, Tennessee State Senator, and is moderated by Symone Sanders Townsend.

“In the face of adversity, resilience is not merely enduring; it’s about standing firm, adapting, and advocating for change. It’s the unwavering commitment to justice, the courage to confront systemic issues, and the determination to build a safer and more equitable future for all,” said Veda Ajamu, Managing Director, DEI Programs and Community Engagement.

The museum has launched this collaborative effort to include a broad spectrum of citizens from many disciplines, industries, and roles to root out the causes at a systemic level. National and local leaders committed to seeing change in their communities and enhancing relationships between citizens and law enforcement are strongly encouraged to attend.
The four-part, national convening series — The Reckoning, The Resolve, The Reconciliation, and The Resilience — is made possible by the support of FedEx, Cummins, and The Kresge Foundation. For tickets and more information, visit civilrightsmuseum.org.

Part 3 of 4 the museum’s national convenings on September 6, “The Restoration: Community Healing for Solutions to Police Violence,” panelist Eric Cumberbatch of the Center for Policing Equity, discusses practical solutions implemented in New York City. Cumberbatch will also lead a facilitate session during The Resilience on March 22.

This article is sponsored by National Civil Rights Museum.

Tags National Civil Rights Museum

Flyer Video Special Sections We Recommend We Saw You

We Saw You with Karen Carrier Ep. 3

Post author By Michael Donahue
Post date March 6, 2024

Karen Carrier talks about the late artist, Dorothy Sturm, in episode three of the We Saw You video series about Memphians and Mid-Southerners.

I sat down with Carrier in her amazing art-filled home, which also houses her grand piano, and we talked. It was fun to chat with Carrier, who I always say is the hippest person in Memphis. The owner of Beauty Shop Restaurant, DKDC, Mollie Fontaine Lounge, and Another Roadside Attraction catering business, graduated from the old Memphis Academy of Arts, which later became Memphis College of Art.

Carrier is right on when she describes Sturm: “She’s just wild.” I was fortunate to get to interview Sturm 40 or so years ago when I was at the old Memphis Press-Scimitar newspaper.

Memphians were so fortunate to have an artist of her prestige living and working here. Carrier and Sturm became close friends, and you can hear a few stories from that heady time in our interview.

Tags Dorothy Sturm, Karen Carrier, Michael Donahue, We Saw You