Frayser

Frayser is one of the largest neighborhoods in Memphis, stretching north from the city’s urban core to the rural Shelby Forest across more than 20 square miles. It is one of the city’s most disinvested neighborhoods but is rich with community activism. The resident-led Frayser 2020 community revitalization plan is focused on growing youth, reducing crime, and investing in infrastructure and amenities while the annual Frayser Festival celebrates the community’s bright spots. Frayser is home to many small businesses as well as Nike’s $301 million distribution center.

Uncle Joe fights for Frayser’s youth

Through his G.A.N.G. Inc., “Uncle” Joe Hunter works to reach the youth of Frayser. His daily work happens through after-school programs, counseling or just the simple expression of love. 

Frayser studies neighborhood sidewalk needs

Frayser is a suburban setting with wide streets that encourage fast drivers. Livable Memphis is bringing its toolkit to analyze sidewalk needs in the community to make it safer for pedestrians.

New public art coming to Memphis neighborhoods
James Malone and the Boys Scouts of America are bringing Scouting to Frayser
Scouts look to grow presence in Frayser

The Wolf River District of the Chickasaw Council of the Boy Scouts of America is hoping to grow Scouting in the Frayser area in an effort to bring children together to teach important life skills while curbing gang violence.

New Hope Christian Academy urban farm
Frayser school gives ‘New Hope,’ outdoor education

New Hope Christian Academy provides strong education in the classroom as well as outdoors, where children get to experience a garden learning environment in the heart of Frayser.

Solar panels at the Agricenter
TVA puts solar in its place, just outside Memphis
Memphis Gun Down focuses on crime prevention

Intervention is a major component of Memphis Gun Down’s efforts to reduce youth gun crimes in the city.  

Girls Inc. Frayser Youth Farm Manager Miles Tamboli
Girls Inc. takes mission to roots with Frayser Youth Farm

Part of Girls Inc.’s focus on Frayser is through its Youth Farm, where girls are employed as farmers to cultivate some 50 vegetable varieties all while learning entrepreneurial skills.

State. Sen. Lee Harris speaks to a Frayser Exchange Club gathering
Frayser Exchange Club boosts community

The Frayser Exchange Club is more than a weekly gathering of members. It serves as a community booster for Frayser, where everyone is welcome in a positive environment. 

Lifeline to Success participants end a classroom session with a pledge
Frayser’s Lifeline to Success teaches life lessons

Frayser’s Lifeline to Success gives a figurative lifeline to men and women re-entering life after a period of incarceration, many of whom want to find new life after previous ones filled with violent crimes.

Our Partners

WKKF logo
Kresge Foundation logo
IFF logo
JP Morgan Chase logo
Ford Foundation logo
Delta Dental Foundation logo

Don't miss out!

Inspiration and ideas in your inbox every week.

Close the CTA

Already a subscriber? Enter your email to hide this popup in the future.