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.
For Memphians with limited internet access, there are big barriers to getting information and relief in the COVID-19 pandemic. JUICE Orange Mound is using fliers, text surveys, and word-of-mouth to deliver personalized care packages to their hardest-to-reach neighbors.
Part one of a two-part series on the importance of third grade reading, Memphis' biggest literacy divides, and the organizations working to close those gaps.
It's more important than ever to stay active. Three local gyms share how they're helping clients while social distancing.
C & J Trophy and Engraving is located in the Orange Mound-University District area. It's served Memphis' awards, promotions, and engraving needs since the 1970s.
Alliance Healthcare Services knows poverty is one of the biggest barriers to accessing treatment for addiction and mental illness. For nearly 40 years, they've offer these services in Memphis' low-income communities.
The Orange Mound Progressive Club is an organization of African American, Christian women in Orange Mound. It's been in continuous operation since 1919 and helped with everything from paying neighbors' light bills to donating to local and statewide organizations.
On February 22, Orange Mound will celebrate Black History Month, its new stops on the Memphis Heritage Trail, and 100 years as an incorporated community of the City of Memphis.
Yancy Villa-Calvo discusses her work helping communities research and visualize their culture and history through art. She's currently working with high school students in Orange Mound to design a mural of history and future hopes.
"For my triplets and myself, they have changed our world.” - Ashton Hall, Harwood Center parent
Why is quality of life in North and South Memphis so drastically different than Midtown or East Memphis? The answer is in our history. Join the conversation and enjoy the free pizza on January 28.
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