What has shaped Memphis and made it what it is today?

Memphis has always been a center for exchange and distribution, and its rich delta soil made it a huge economic base. It was “King Cotton” to those to those who partnered with it. Unfortunately, slavery played a key role in this commerce and agri-business. Many, if not a majority of those who labored on these farms were West Africans who had been bought in the slave trade. This reality made Memphis a key pawn in the Civil War. The Union and the Confederate forces both valued and fought fiercely for Memphis and its surrounding areas. After the Union took control of Memphis, it became a home for many former slaves. During post-war reconstruction Black Memphians made strides in social, political and economic activities.

Following the war, a yellow fever epidemic nearly destroyed Memphis. The city lost its charter in 1879. The city was saved by a new sewer system, the first of its kind and a new supply of artesian water and it remains known to this day for its pure water.

The city would be plagued nonetheless by the deeply rooted divides over race and poverty. There would be many who would emerge as heroes and villains throughout the next century in Memphis history. The early history of Memphis truly reads like a great southern novel. But in the later half of the twentieth century, Memphis’ history would be shaped by an event that would also shape our nation. In 1968, the civil rights struggle was at its height and Dr. Martin Luther King, Nobel Peace Prize winner, was at the center of the debate. He had come to Memphis to speak on behalf of the Memphis Sanitation Workers and their dignity and economic equity. He was there to address the realities of the working poor and draw the attention of America to their struggles. Although his commitment had always been to non-violent change, his life was violently taken on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis on April 4, 1968. Many of these contributions to the ceaseless struggles of bettering human relations are commemorated in the National Civil Rights Museum which was built at the Lorraine Motel where King was assassinated. It stands as a shrine to the human spirit, to justice, sacrifice, courage and peace. Memphis has always and will continue to be a beacon of hope for those longing to see the dreams of Dr. King come to fruition both in the country and around the world. Its history is both marred with pain and painted with hope of how this struggle is not only a worthy one, but one in which Memphians place their belief.