History Lessons

With thanks to Billy Joel, Ye Li, Wikipedia, and Google images --
Turn up the volume and enjoy a review of 50 years of history in less than 3 minutes!

Click here: We Didn't Start The Fire

And in Memphis, don’t miss "Freedom’s Sisters". Myrlie Evers-Williams, Sonia Sanchez, and many local leaders in the Civil Rights Movement were on hand for the opening of the travelling exhibit at the National Civil Rights Museum. Click here for more information.

Delta Queen – Good news/Sad news

The Delta Queen will soon become a hotel in Chattanooga. That's "good news" because the historic paddlewheeler has a new life and Chattanooga’s riverfront a wonderful new addition. But "sad news," too. The Delta Queen will be docked, not cruising, and the hotel/ship will be on the TN River, not the Mighty Mississippi.

Photo at right by Alan Spearman. Click "read more" below for The Commercial Appeal article.

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The next steps in “greening” Memphis

Two events to break the winter doldrums and go green:
Eco Expo- a free family event to have fun and learn about new green products and services;

Old Forest Jamboree a chance to hear some great music and support the Old Forest and Citizens to Preserve Overton Park.

Click here for details about locations, time, etc. for both “Upcoming Events.”

And a special riverfront connection: Jimmy Davis, one of the musicians who donated a song for the CD Save Our Riverfront, will be playing at the Jamboree!

As God planted trees for us, so shall we plant trees for our children.
-Talmud (adapted)

"Placemaking Matters More than Ever in a Down Economy" - A Cost-Effective Solution

According to Fred Kent, president of the Project for Public Spaces (PPS), "a Placemaking approach to development is emerging as a cost-effective way to revive prosperity in communities across the U.S. and the world."
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National Mall / Public Promenade

Photo: Facing West across the Washington Mall, with one's back towards the United States Capitol. (Source: Wikipedia)

As we watch the Inaugural proceedings on the National Mall, we should remember that Memphis' Public Promenade was intended to serve the same function locally. It was to be a great public space, where citizens could gather and celebrate our heritage, while experiencing the vista from the great bluffs.

Like the National Mall, our Public Promenade was designed into the City plan, and was placed at its very center, both physically, and in a profoundly civic sense.

Interestingly, both
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Letter-to-editor exposes riverfront land grab

In a letter to the editor of the “Commercial Appeal,” Mike Cromer reports on the Mayor's comments, dispels some myths about the riverfront, and let's us in on the City’s intentions. Here's the letter that tells who wins/who loses, if the City takes the Public Promenade by eminent domain.
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Freedom’s Sisters | Honoring the Legacy

Dare to dream. Take a stand. Make a difference. Inspire Lives. Serve the Public. Look to the Future.

The National Civil Rights Museum will feature an exhibit (Jan. 30 - Apr. 5) on women who lived by these challenging words. Ella Baker, Mary McLeod Bethune, Shirley Chisholm, Septima Clark, Kathleen Cleaver, Fannie Lou Hamer, Barbara Jordan, Mary Church Terrell, Betty Shabazz and other extraordinary women will all be showcased in this interactive and inspiring exhibit.
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Stewardship & Economic Growth - Film shows How

Envision a society where economic opportunity, social justice and sustainable culture all result from environmental stewardship. Ten years ago, 14 businesses in Portland, Oregon did just that. The result: sustainable growth, one of the most livable communities in America, and economic development.

An award winning film, “A Passion for Sustainability,” documents the process and the breakthrough ideas that can be applied anywhere in the world.
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Randolph - 2nd Chickasaw Bluff Protected & Dedicated as Park

Memphis sits on the 4th Chickasaw Bluff; Randolph is upriver on the 2nd.

The four bluffs were named and numbered by the French as they headed down the Mississippi River through Chickasaw territory. Whether the water is high or low, the river is always adjacent to the land at these four high spots. The bluffs were the perfect sites for forts and later for river towns.

Because of their geographical, historical, and cultural significance, the bluffs today play an important role in the trails and greenways movement.

Last year, the TN Parks and Greenways Foundation, whose mission is to save Tennessee’s natural treasures, purchased Randolph’s bluff and dedicated it as a historic park.

Click "read more" below for the Commercial Appeal article on the dedication and links to additional information.
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