Why Memphis Black Restaurant Week is the week to beat

While Memphis is often hailed as the birthplace of blues, soul and rock ‘n’ roll music, at the heart of this cultural haven lies an equally revered hero – its soul food. Every yr in March, the city organizes a delicious journey called… Black Restaurant Week in Memphiswhere residents and visitors alike are invited to enjoy the flavors that outline the essence of “Bluff City.”

Although Memphis is the hottest tourist destination, the city’s culinary scene has turn into an attraction in itself. Black Restaurant Week in Memphis provides a platform for Black-owned restaurants to showcase their offerings through special dining offerings, not only attracting recent customers, but in addition raising awareness and support for minority-owned restaurants across the country.

Founded in 2016, Memphis Black Restaurant Week (MBRW) stands out amongst the countless restaurant weeks across the United States. This unique culinary event embodies Memphis’ unwavering commitment to diverse flavors, especially from thriving Black-owned establishments. The City of Memphis’ Office of Business Diversity and Compliance emphasizes the importance of supporting Black restaurants, claiming it MBRW “plays a key role in achieving socio-economic improvement, and the sustainable implementation of these beliefs will strengthen our communities and open opportunities for future generations.”

Rooted in wealthy history, Memphis has long been a spot of heritage. Initially often called a middle for African-American blues musicians, Memphis laid the foundation for the genre’s nationwide prominence. The city later evolved into the birthplace of rock and roll, with luminaries similar to Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash and Jerry Lee Lewis starting their careers in the city. Sun Studio In the Nineteen Fifties. Memphis then became home to soul music, giving rise to legends similar to Otis Redding, Booker T. and Queen of SoulAretha Franklin, who was born in Memphis and later returned to record chart-topping hits at the legendary Stax recording studio.

At the same time, the city played a key role in the civil rights movement, drawing leaders to support initiatives similar to the 1968 Memphis Sanitary Strike, advocating for improved wages, working conditions, and union recognition. The city witnessed quite a few marches, meetings and gatherings that attracted national and world attention. Tragically, on April 4, 1968, Memphis suffered a big loss when Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. he was murdered on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel while he was on the town to support union staff. Currently, there are houses on this place National Civil Rights Museum.

Memphis boasts an unparalleled black history that echoes throughout the centuries. From the iconic Beale Street that pays tribute to legendary Black musicians of the early twentieth century, to thriving Black-owned businesses and a vibrant music scene, the city has preserved its wealthy heritage. Landmarks similar to the Lorraine Motel and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, in addition to Graceland, Presley’s former residence, create a narrative of cultural significance. Graceland specifically is one in all the most visited private homes in the United States.

See all this and more in Memphis, where this yr, from March 17-23, foodies can sample the best offerings from over 28 Black-owned establishments offering a collection of over 95 meals. Exclusive discounts, including a $15 two-course lunch and $25 three-course dinner, can be found this week only. Discover a wide range of dining experiences, including traditional Southern Black cuisine, Caribbean cuisine, and options for vegan and vegetarian palates. Can’t make it to Memphis Black Restaurant Week? Dive in one in all the city’s acclaimed food toursavailable all yr round.

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Noel Cymone Walker is a New York-based author specializing in beauty, fashion, music, travel, and cultural anthropology. She has written and produced artwork for several notable publications including The Recording Academy/The Grammys, The Fader, Billboard, OKPlayer, Marie Claire, Glamour, Allure, Essence, Ebony and more.