Celebrate TONE's Juneteenth Weekend in Memphis with Juicy J, Erykah Badu, Curren$y and more

Hi, Hii. I’m Carmen Monèt and I am a free-lance journalist from Memphis, TN. I’ve always had a love for storytelling and actually I used to say that I was providing a voice for the “voiceless;” but as I’ve grown as a writer I’m learning that we’ve always had a voice, we just didn’t have the platform to express ourselves.

So I listen a lot, but I also get to connect with people so much. My daughter Cabella is the best part of my entire life, and she has pushed me to actually follow my dreams of becoming a real writer. I hope that people are able to really feel the passion and vulnerability that I infuse in my writing, and be teleported into the story.

Build your perfect Memphis meal:

If I could build my version of the “perfect” meal in Memphis, we’d have to take a drive around the city and make a few stops. I’m a certified taco lover, and currently TacosNGanas has been my go-to for some good shrimp tacos. Once we leave there, let's slide over to Slider Inn, and order the “Mix & Match,” granted we’re doing more matching than mixing, because I only ever order their fried Buffalo Chicken sliders with no pickles, ofcourse. Now our next stop has some of the best food I’ve ever tasted, but what stood out the most to me was their creamy mac & cheese, I’m a southern girl and I love me some mac & cheese. Last but not least, we’ve got to walk just a couple of doors down to Babalu for some fresh guacamole. I can  assure you that there is absolutely nothing cohesive about this picnic, but none of the flavors will disappoint you. 

Why do you love Memphis:

Memphis is just such a cultural powerhouse. This city that I love has given me so many beautiful memories. Each day I get to experience it from a different view, but in that, I still get to experience the underlying feeling of community. The people here are some of the best people in the world. There are local artists whose eyes will light up when they see you supporting them and singing along with them. There are locally-owned and operated restaurants that care about you actually being satisfied with your meal and their service. One of the things I love and think about the most is how Memphis has been able to “bounce-back” to life and actually living, after so many doors were closed forever due to COVID; but, I can’t say that I’m surprised, our perseverance is unwaivering.