LOOKING FORWARD: CLAYBORN TEMPLE REVIVAL By Sandi Butler Hughes Photography by McKendree Walker On April 4 as the world remembers the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Memphians can mark the occasion at ground zero for the sanitation workers strike: I AM A MAN Plaza at the historic Clayborn Temple. In February 1968, over 1,000 workers marched twice daily from …
The Balcony Project at The Orpheum Theatre
The Balcony Project at The Orpheum Theatre By Sandi Butler Hughes Photos submitted by Orpheum Theatre Group The Balcony Project is an immersive time capsule, telling the story of segregation. Standing in the midst of history is an experience like none other. It gives context to a period that books, photographs, or films do not. The Balcony Project at the …
In the Flow: Paddling with Matthew Burdine of Mississippi River Expeditions
Upon seeing the Mississippi River for the first time, Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto called it “River of the Holy Spirit.” Matthew Burdine, owner of Mississippi River Expeditions, is a current day Mississippi River apostle. He believes the river continues to offer new opportunities for exploring, and Memphis can be the recreation capital for America’s iconic river.
Mississippi River Expeditions (MRE) is an outfitter and guide company for canoe trips on the river. “Memphis has more river wilderness access than any other city in North America,” Matthew says. “The lower Mississippi, from St. Louis to the Gulf, is 1400 miles with big islands, sandbars, and beautiful wilderness. It is a canvas of possibilities for ecotourism.” Matthew wants people to experience the river, not just look at it. “The canoes are custom-built, multi-person sailing canoes made in British Columbia, and they are safe. They are ocean-going canoes and are very difficult to flip. So you don’t get wet unless you want to!”
Moss Mountain Farm:
A Visit to P. Allen Smith’s Country Estate
Moss Mountain Farm:A Visit to P. Allen Smith’s Country EstateBy Sandi Butler Hughes You may know lifestyle guru, P. Allen Smith: he is an acclaimed designer, a 5th-generation horticulturist, best-selling author, and passionate conservationist. But did you also know that he is a welcoming host to visitors at his country estate, Moss Mountain Farm? Located 30 minutes from Little Rock …
Let’s Go Shelling!
Strengthening our RootsBy Sandi Butler Hughes Photography by Craig Thompson Spring is that magical time of year when azaleas burst into bloom, the days get longer, and Memphians pack their coolers and their chairs-in-a-bag and stake out a spot at the Overton Park Shell. Since 1936, this piece of living history has gathered together people from across the city to …
Retail in Retrospect: Hollywood Furniture & Hardware
Retail in Retrospect:Hollywood Furniture & HardwareBy Sandi Butler HughesAs this issue of 4Memphis goes to press, a locally-owned retailer is in its final days of operation. On February 28, Hollywood Furniture & Hardware closed the chapter on 99 years in business at the corner of Chelsea and Hollywood in North Memphis. They built their business on treating customers with respect …
My Cup of Tea:
A Sip of Hope & Love
My Cup of Tea:A Sip of Hope & LoveBy Sandi Butler Hughes Photos courtesy of My Cup of Tea A warm cup of tea is pleasant and inviting, and it is a perfect analogy for the work of local nonprofit, My Cup of Tea. The organization offers love and support, employment and training, and stability and security to women in …
Retail in Retrospect: Bry’s Department Store
Retail in RetrospectBry’s Department StoreBy Sandi Butler HughesBrothers Nathan and Louis Bry may have been from St. Louis, but they made a mark in Memphis retail history. They founded Bry’s Department Store in 1902, and grew their store into a Downtown shopping destination. Anchoring the north end of Main Street, they were one of the four major department stores Downtown, …
Becoming Mimi
Photo by Kim ThomasBecoming Mimi By Sandi Butler Hughes Photography by Jay Adkins & Kim Thomas Ivey Jenningsbegan making jewelry as a hobby in 2017. Since then that hobby has grown into an orange-pink-and-glitter-infused world and a successful business by the name of Mimi Morton. With an incredible online presence, an explosive social media following, retail shops, and a future …