Author

Baris Gursakal

Baris Gursakal is a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He is an Istanbul native who grew up in Memphis, and has an interest in public policy and social justice issues.

Baris Gursakal's Latest Articles

Britney Thornton (second from right) helps built a town in an urban planning workshop held at The CMPLX on July 17. (Baris Gursakal)
A workshop and a plan for resident-led revival in Orange Mound

JUICE Orange Mound has a plan to revitalize the neighborhood that starts with equipping residents with the tools to lead the way. "Our land is our history," said JUICE's founder. "Its ownership is both our past and our future."

Guests of the Frayser CDC open house toured the homes and picked up literature for buying one of the three current homes or the 27 more that Frayser CDC hopes to build in the next two years. (Cole Bradley)
Frayser CDC unveils new homes, hopes for new momentum

Frayser CDC held an open house July 13 for three newly-built homes. They plan to build 30 over two years and hope the activity will increase home values, homeownership, community pride and new investment.

A Hollywood Feed staff member makes gourmet dog cookies. The story offers a range of gourmet treats including cakes and cupcakes. (Submitted)
More than retail, Hollywood Feed helps animals in need

Hollywood Feed is well-known for high quality pet treats and supplies, but they're also doing their part to help reduce the number of animals in Mid-South shelters.  

Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris (L) presents the Senior Prom's 2019 Prom Queen Everlena Yarborough. Prom King Clarence Christian watches with pride. (Baris Gursakal)
Magical night for senior citizens at Shelby County’s first senior prom

On June 3, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris hosted his first prom. More than 400 seniors citizens packed the Stax Museum for food, music and dancing. And to see who'd win king and queen, of course. 

La Michoacana owners Ana and Rafael Gonzales spoke at the Gateways for Growth community meeting held at their restaurant at 4091 Summer Avenue. (Submitted)
Memphis immigrants meet for paletas and solutions for a more immigrant-friendly city

On May 18, Gateways for Growth convened a diverse group of immigrants who now call Memphis home. They enjoyed sweet treats at La Michocana and set to work brainstorming ways to make Memphis a more immigrant-friendly city. 

Trap Fusion co-owners Jason Gardener, left, Monique Williams, center, and Markeith McCoy, right. (Baris Gursakal)
Trap Fusion restaurant offers healthier soul food in Whitehaven

“You can find a burger or a hot wing on just about every corner, however [healthy] options are not provided to them. We’re going to offer things that people really want to eat and have a taste for in this neighborhood, but have to go outside of the community to get.”

At the Gaisman Park cleanup, group Desayuno Con Libros provided storytime activities as well as free books in English and Spanish. (Friends of Gaisman)
Residents of Berclair and The Heights unite to keep Gaisman Park beautiful

Neighbors of Gaisman Park came together for a weekend cleanup and celebration of the diversity and vibrancy of community's residents. 

"If it isn't the best turkey and cheese that you've ever eaten in your entire life, it's free," said Sam's Deli owner, Brad Wilbanks. (Baris Gursakal)
Sam’s Deli fuses all-American deli with classic Indian dishes in the University District

Looking for an unassuming deli with some of the best (and perhaps only) Indian-Korean-Creole-American fusing food in town? Look no further than Sam's Deli and husband and wife team Brad and Shamira Wilbanks

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