News Update: Memphis Steps Up In The Snow...Ain't It Good?
Memphians step up to help other Memphians in winter weather, there's a new way to date in Memphis, $5 tickets to local museums this week, and more good news to go around. We sure do need it.
Memphians step up to help other Memphians in winter weather, there's a new way to date in Memphis, $5 tickets to local museums this week, and more good news to go around. We sure do need it.
If you need a soundtrack while you read this quick roundup of positive and happy stories from around Memphis—check out our theme song, “Ain’t It Good?!”, by Eddie Floyd and Mavis Staples.
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Memphians Helping Memphians
Everyday citizens and groups stepped up last week to provide food, shelter, and warm places to stay. Bravo to these helpers!
- First Congo Food Ministry provided food and take-and-bake meals throughout the winter storm, and provide food regularly.
- Global Cafe served 286 free meals to local healthcare providers last week, even though they were technically shut down for the storm. Their general manager drove through the snow to pick up their chefs to take to the Crosstown restaurant to prepare the meals.
- JUICE Orange Mound is a non-profit that completes community projects, and their building is a meeting space and office—but last week they saw a need for a warming shelter, and they didn’t hesitate. They opened their doors to provide beds, food, and help to residents during record-breaking winter temperatures. Check out their Facebook page for more details. This is why I love Memphis. This is the kind of thing that gives me hope during dark times for our city. One quote: “Pulling together our resources only felt right and we are so glad we did.”
- HW
A New Way To Date In Memphis
Do you love playing matchmaker with your friends? Do you know some great local singles— especially single guys—who are sick of all the swiping and ghosting? You need to go right now and follow The Meet My Person Project and get to nominating folks (or sign up yourself).
Created by two Memphis women, the @themeetmypersonproject is like modern-day personal ads, but on Instagram. Friends nominate single Memphians, who are then featured on the account. Other interested singles sign up to possibly meet the nominee, and then we see if magic happens.
I spoke with co-founder Melissa Whitby so let me know there’s a shortage of single dudes who have signed up so far, and the project launches on March 1 and only lasts for a month—so hurry up and sign up or get your friends to sign up. - HW
$5 Tickets To Rock 'n' Soul Museum and the Memphis Music Hall of Fame - This Week Only!
Feeling wild and free now that the snow is gone? Enjoy the beautiful weather this week by getting around to some of our famed music attractions for only $5! This offer is for Shelby County residents only from Feb 24-28, 2021. For more information visit either memphismusichalloffame.com or memphisrocknsoul.org. - EH
Tomiko’s Ultimate Staycation at The Canopy Hotel
Travel influencer, Tomiko Harvey, stayed at the new Canopy by Hilton Memphis Downtown, and boy did it look nice. Not only was the room beautiful, but the food looked ~incredible~. If you’re looking for a getaway without getting away, Canopy is the place to do it. Check out her video here. - E
Happy Birthday, JabberBlabber!
Everyone’s favorite free kid’s magazine turns twenty years old this year. You’ve seen the little stands around town and the green alien dude who encourages kids to read and learn. In March 2021, they’ll reveal a new format, too! Check it out at jabberblabber.com. - HW
Civil Rights Museum Reopening March 1
The National Civil Rights Museum will reopen March 1 with adjusted hours and reserved, timed ticketing. Tennessee residents receive free admission on Mondays 3 pm. - 5 p.m. See the NCRM website for more details.
Can’t wait that long? Be sure to catch their online event A Conversation with Ruby Bridges and Chelsea Clinton happening Feb. 25 at 6 p.m. More information here. - EH
Lucero’s Block Party Is Back! (Social-Distanced At The Drive-In)
LIVE MUSIC. It’s happening and you won’t want to miss it. Featuring LUCERO and special guests AMERICAN AQUARIUM and CORY BRANAN LIVE and IN PERSON, Saturday March 27 at Malco Summer Drive-In. Gates open at 5pm // Show at 6:30pm - All Ages are welcome. Get your tickets here! - EH
Running for LGBTQ+ Rights
University of Memphis alum and LGBTQ+ rights activist Mikah Meyers is running across the state of Mississippi this month to draw attention to the Outside Safe Spaces (OSS) nonprofit organization. Meyers was inspired to found OSS after his 2018 National Parks tour, to meet the need for more LGBTQ+-friendly outdoor spaces. He’ll end his run at 4 p.m. on Feb. 28th at the Horseshoe Casino in Tunica, Mississippi and you can meet him there for a socially-distant finale. Read more from the Flyer.
Clayborn Temple To Restore Stained Glass Windows
The Clayborn Temple plans to restore their beautiful stained glass windows—and they want input from local Memphis artists! The selection panel is focusing on art that animates the work of the Sanitation Workers Strike of 1968, lifts up the unheard stories of The Strike, and tells the story of the past and the possibility of the future of Memphis. Be on the lookout for the final design which will be chosen March 31, 2021. - EH
We Love The Four Way!
The historic Four Way restaurant got some serious love from big daddy Google recently—the 75-year-old South Memphis restaurant and civil rights site was featured in a commercial promoting black-owned businesses. Check it out below. - HW
SOME QUICK HOUSEKEEPING
My colleague Elizabeth Hornor and I work together on this weekly update, so going forward you’ll see that reflected by the sign-off initials for each bit of news. PLEASE submit your local good news by emailing her [email protected] with the subject line “Ain’t It Good”. **
** More about submitting: We’re looking for nonprofit successes, random victories, acts of kindness, rescued baby animals, positive national news coverage of Memphis…any thing that brings joy and brags a little on the people of our city. Send it in, and your story could appear on a future blog post!
Ed. Note: Special thanks to Kevin Brewer for the “Ain’t It Good” song suggestion and to Elizabeth Hornor for her assistance with this article.
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