Celebrate Black History Month with Caitlin McGill + Things To Do This Week

Happy Black History Month, Mane!

It's important to celebrate and learn more about Black History year-round, but we go a little harder in February. This is your go to blog for how the amazing Caitlin McGill honors Black history in true Memphis fashion! 

Keep up with this series as a new Memphis influencer, business owner, or creator is featured each Wednesday this month!

Caitlin McGill  posing with shades at restaurant
Londonz Eye Photography

What's your favorite Black-owned restaurant in Memphis? What's your go-to order?

My favorite Black-owned restaurant in Memphis is Mahogany Memphis. My go-to order is the vegan "Chorizo Stuffed Poblano Peppers" with the "Bead Pudding" for dessert. Both dishes are so good and so flavorful. You will be in food heaven during every bite. 

What's your favorite Black-owned business in Memphis? Why? 

My favorite black-owned business in Memphis is ODDS Atelier. They are located in the heart of downtown Memphis on South Main Street. I’m a street wear girl, and they have some of the best and most unique street wear pieces that you can shop in person.

Who's your favorite Black artist/creator/musician from Memphis?

My favorite Black creator from Memphis right now is Breezye (@yobreezye). He just understands content storytelling while capturing the perfect aesthetic for the right audience. He’s very chill and down to earth in person as well. 

What is your definition of Black culture in Memphis?

My definition of Black culture in Memphis is the art of hustling and creating while connecting with other individuals and showing mad love whether that’s through “checking” or supporting another creator’s idea. Memphis is the epicenter for Black community and culture always brimming with new ideas. 

Tell me your favorite Black history fact in relation to Memphis!

My favorite Black history fact in relation to Memphis is that Memphis is home to the first African-American millionaire in the south.

live at the Lorraine

Ways to Celebrate Black History Month in Memphis

February 1- February 8

Explore Snapshots of the Black Experience at MOSH. You’ll see a rare glimpse into life of twentieth-century African Americans through candid photos.

Every Thursday in February: Create Images in Color with a four-part workshop series exploring Black History through photography. The workshop will also explore Black photojournalism and pathways to success and Black history through The Withers Collection Museum & Gallery.

Every Saturday and Sunday in February: Learn about the lives and influence of Black Memphians throughout our city’s history. 

February 1: Attend the Memphis Grizzlies HBCU Night game. The first 3,000 fans receive a Black History Month Edition Scarf.

February 2: Continue celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop with an East Coast vs. West Coast Hip Hop Party. Jam all night to old school hits from the 70s to early 00s.

February 2-25: Experience a play at The Hattiloo Theatre. Confederates is a story that explores the reins that racial and gender bias still hold over American educational systems today.

February 3-4: RISE with Collage Dance and experience a history-making ballet performance set to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s final speech. 

February 3: Live the legacy at Live at the Lorraine, the National Civil Rights Museum’s new live music series. Memphis music legend, J. Buck will be performing at the museum’s Ford Theatre.

February 3: Browse the galleries at the Brooks Museum’s Super Sunday- Black History Month event. Explore the painting techniques of Black artists in the collection like Sam Gilliam and Rashid Johnson to make your own masterpiece in the studio.

February 3: Revive your garments by learning mending techniques with Cari Harris. This hands-on series is exclusively for clothing—bring your worn-out jeans, favorite shirts, or that beloved dress in need of a little TLC. 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by GPAC TN (@gpacluv)

February 3: Groove to the sounds of Africa with Memphis musician and performer Ekpe. The performance will introduce children to African arts, history, and culture.

February 5: Have a Gospel karaoke night at the Rumba Room. Calling all gospel music lovers, choir members, shower singers, and anyone who enjoys music for the soul. This is the perfect karaoke night for you!

February 7: Unlock the key to Escape from Stax. In this escape challenge, you and your friends decide to visit your favorite local library -- only to accidentally discover a portal to the past! You're trapped in a recording booth at the legendary Stax Records.
 

About the Author

Hey there! I’m Tyra Johnson, writer and content creator for the I Love Memphis Blog. I'm a Memphis native and after a few years away, I'm back home. I love art, good eats, and live music. Join me in reclaiming my passion for Memphis, mane.

Why do you love Memphis:

Memphis has so much personality-- the people, food, music-- it just all feels good! We have so much to be proud of when speaking about the city. Also, I'm big on memories, and most of my core memories involve Memphis.

What's on your Memphis playlist?

Stay Fly by Three 6 Mafia. It's the PERFECT hype song!

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