Booker T. Washington’s new resource center provides an information hub for South City
Housed in the lower level of the school, the center includes eight desktop computers and nine laptop computers with internet access.
Thelma Balfour's Latest Articles
Mobile Mommy provides vetted on-demand babysitters with a side of tech
For many, babysitting a short-term gig. For Ashley Gladney, she's turned that old fashioned model into a business thriving in South Memphis with low overhead and a host of clients.
This Black beauty company survived segregation in Memphis. Now it faces off against e-commerce.
Founded in 1935, Lucky Heart Cosmetics has seen its share of changes. The black beauty product manufacturer has opened its first retail store in the hopes of attracting its next generation of loyal customers.
Neighborhood Christian Center provides sustenance for Memphis’ disadvantaged neighborhoods
Neighborhood Christian Center, a network of care centers for wraparound assistance, started in the hearts of foster parents JoAnne and Monroe Ballard.
The Barber School brings needed job skills to North Memphis
Now in its 17th year, the Barber School in the Klondike neighborhood is a federally accredited school with an average enrollment of 125 students.
40-year-old Boys & Girls Club swells with the Klondike Smokey City neighborhood
“For some, I am the only man that they see all day,” said Ron Nelson, director of the John Dustin Buckman Boys & Girls Club. “I use the same way I grew up to raise these kids. The only way I knew was church, school and discipline.”
Smoky City Bar-B-Que fires up opportunity in North Memphis
It’s been said that the Smokey City got its name from the active smokestacks of blacksmiths in the area. While industry left the North Memphis neighborhood decades ago, smoke has returned with the opening of a new restaurant, which is a rare site in the area.
Community flourishes at 62-year-old Klondike barber shop
The Klondyke Handy Spot-Barber and Beauty Salon thrives in a community whose landscape has changed dramatically with blight and neglect. But owner Eric Steward is unfazed and understands what the business in the neighborhood represents.
North Memphis octogenarian looks back on decades of neighborhood changes
Willie Mae Brooks has lived eight decades in the North Memphis neighborhood of Klondike.
Dr. Beverly Cleaves brings hot meals and good health to Klondike
Once a month, Dr. Beverly Cleaves brings her endocrinology practice to the Klondike community. Her longstanding Friendship Feeding Program provides a medical clinic, clothes and food drive and a hot meal to North Memphis.
