Orange Mound was the first planned community built for and by African-Americans in the south. Middle-class black Memphians purchased inexpensive plots of land. Black-owned businesses flourished until the 1980s chronic disinvestment brought widespread crime and poverty. Today there is a strong, resident-led network of community and faith organizations and a stronger sense of history and neighborhood pride. The heart of Orange Mound is Melrose High School and its award-winning football team.
As redevelopments populate the Memphis map, some organizations like the Orange Mound Gallery look to more equitable ways to bring economic and social improvements to commercially disinvested areas.
In its 30th year, Service Over Self has given new hope to countless homeowners across Memphis through its ministry of home repairs concentrated in Binghampton and Orange Mound.
A number of youth classical music organizations provide opportunities for underserved communities in Memphis. With the highest participation rate to date, a summer orchestra camp connects local youth to futures in music performance -- and more.
After traveling around the world, Brian Booker founded OneStep Initiative, a non-profit that introduces underserved high school students to international education opportunities.
Noted as one of the oldest and most successful community theaters in the country, Theatre Memphis seen lots of change over the years. Even with ever growing outreach and education programs, their core mission of bringing quality volunteer theatre to the city has been persistent.
Our Partners
