“I want people to see (Ida B. Wells) as a real person. I also want to see Memphis as a character in the development of Ida B. Wells because she’s not coming from thin air.”

Seventy-nine people from more than 30 countries were sworn in as U.S. citizens at the Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library Friday morning, July 15, in the first naturalization ceremony held there since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. 

Jessica Patch has shifted gears for her latest fiction novel focusing on a serial killer with plenty of local landmarks to set the scenes.

The North Memphis mural will surround the park’s public pool and is named after a term for enthusiastically jumping into a swimming pool.

At the height of the season, starting about now, up to 200 pounds a day of “prep ready” produce — ready to be used now, not next week — pour out of the market from six or seven vendors who would rather donate than toss it out.

Ja Morant didn’t just sign a rich new contract to stay with the Grizzlies. He committed to Memphis as “home.” That’s a credit to him and to the Grizzlies front office. Here’s how that came to pass.

Matt Thompson has the office of an expeditioner. The nook of a room, charmingly messy, is home to an aquarium with miniscule fresh shrimp just behind the desk, a small bronze statue of an elk (in commemoration to Teton Trek) and freshly muddied boots standing against the wall.

Neighborhood July 4 celebrations returned this year, offering residents of neighborhoods across the Memphis metro area a chance to come together and enjoy the holiday. 

For people who live in the South Main Historic District, Trolley Night is not just about a chance to relax after the week. It also epitomizes the neighborhood’s growth over the past 20 years.

Almost a decade before the National Civil Rights Museum opened, the Marmalade Restaurant and Lounge thrived on Calhoun Avenue.

In addition to helping Vitalant reduce the Memphis area’s shortage of blood and platelet donors, football players also pitched in to assist some pups from Memphis Animal Services get a field trip.

Visitors to Overton Square this weekend will have the opportunity to donate blood on site and enjoy live music, games and the Memphis Tigers football team.

George Cates won’t be here to see Friday’s official opening of the Overton Park 9. He died in a plane crash a year ago. But when you play the course, you’ll see his good work. And you’ll honor him with your smiles.

Memphis football coach Ryan Silverfield stopped by the Veterans Administration Medical Center Tuesday as part of “the sweetest, most meaningful ticket-distribution program you may know nothing about.”

Brian Young moved to Memphis to stage the Tyson-Lewis fight. It was a huge success. But what happened next might be the best part of the story. Without ever expecting it, Young became a dad of five.

Related story:

On Father’s Day, remembering what it means to have a stepdad by Eric Barnes

Ex-offenders, families, friends and the district attorney celebrate the one-year anniversary of Life Together’s Final Escape program at Temple Church of God in Christ.

COVID gutted the distribution networks for street gold like shoes, belts and sleeping bags. But Pam Scarbrough of Community Alliance for the Homeless found a way around it.

Camp Able is a week like none other at St. Columba Conference & Retreat Center in Bartlett, where campers with disabilities spin through a rotation of physical pursuits as if weights had fallen from their feet.

Steve Spurrier returned to Memphis on Sunday to accept the AutoZone Liberty Bowl’s Distinguished Citizen Award. Some of his biggest triumphs involved Memphis. They may not be what you think.

Former Melrose coach crafted a second career as principal at Southwest Career and Technology Center. But helping young people thrive was always job No. 1.

“She was someone who believed deeply in the goodness of people and was just a relentless organizer. It was all about easing people’s suffering and helping people network together and be connected.”

Lester Quinones is keeping his name in the NBA draft. But the guy sure had an impact at Memphis. He was a lot more than an air guitar and short shorts.

My Cup of Tea sales are growing 30% annually and the Orange Mound-based company now boasts customers in 48 states. 

A third-generation local business that has grown and changed with the times perhaps faces an uncertain future, despite a number of large investments in the neighborhood around it. 

Why is it so hard to say goodbye to our dogs? I asked Scott Morris, who is still saddened by the recent loss of Sidney, the best dog ever. He says the secret is love.