G.P. Hamilton, also known as Green Polonius Hamilton (1867-1932), was a Memphis educator, author, and principal noted for promoting Black education and business through Bright Side of Memphis and Beacon Lights of the Race, documenting African American achievement in Memphis.

LeMoyne-Owen College, a private Historically Black College and University (HBCU), was formed in 1968 through the merger of two historic schools: LeMoyne College, founded in 1862, and Owen College, established in 1954.

Booker T. Washington High School was constructed in 1926 on Lauderdale Street replacing the former Kortrecht High School and becoming the premier institution for African American education in the city.

Dr. William Herbert Brewster (1897-1987), a minister, poet, playwright, gospel composer, orator, and civil rights leader, composed 200+ songs, including “Surely, God Is Able” and “Move On Up a Little Higher,” which helped propel Mahalia Jackson’s career.

Charles Mason (1864–1961), born in Memphis is most notable for establishing one of the largest African American Pentecostal denominations, helping make Memphis a major center of Black religious life and global Pentecostal influence.

The Church of God in Christ (COGIC) was founded in 1897 by Bishop Charles Harrison Mason, with its formal Pentecostal organization established in 1907, growing to over eight million members worldwide.

Lucie Campbell (1885-1963) was an African American songwriter, composer, and activist who created influential gospel songs, including “Something Within” and “He’ll Say Well Done,” helping shape the tradition of gospel music.

Lowell Smith (1951- 2007) was an African American principal ballet dancer and teacher born and raised in Memphis who was known for performing internationally in cities including Memphis, where Lowell Smith’s early roots and artistic identity were shaped. Lowell Smith later returned to Memphis to per

Brenda Joysmith (1952-) is a renowned African American artist born and raised in Memphis noted for works including Madonna with Child and The New Born. Her art celebrates Black life, challenges stereotypes by shaping Memphis’s artistic and cultural landscape.

Rufus Thomas: Legendary soul/funk singer known as the "Crown Prince of Dance" along with Lorene Thomas raised a musically talented family, including Carla Thomas, Marvell Thomas, and Vaneese Thomas.

The 1975 LeMoyne-Owen College Magicians won the NCAA Division III Men's Basketball National Championship defeating Glassboro State, becoming the only Tennessee men’s team to win an NCAA basketball championship.

A successful team in the Negro Baseball League owned by the prominent Martin Brothers and operated for over 30 years serving as a pillar of Memphis sports.

Henry A. Hooks Sr. (1881-1978) and Robert B. Hooks (1890-1974) of Hooks Brothers Photography, were African American photographers who operated Memphis's second-oldest Black photography studio, documenting African American leaders, businesses, and communities.

Club Paradise was a stop on the "Chitlin' Circuit," and considered a safe and acceptable venue for African-American entertainers in the era of racial segregation in the US.

Julia Britton Hooks: The "Angel of Beale Street," was a musician and educator whose work with youth, the elderly, and the indigent was highly respected across the country.

Andrew "Sunbeam" Mitchell (1906-1989) shaped Memphis nightlife, owning legendary Chitlin' Circuit nightclubs like the Domino Lounge, Hippodrome, and Club Paradise, where African American musicians built careers during Jim Crow.

Robert Church Jr. (1885-1952) was a prominent businessman who succeeded his father as President of the Solvent Bank & Trust Company after his father's death in 1912 and organized Tennessee's first NAACP Branch.

Robert Church Sr. (1839-1912) was an entrepreneur and philanthropist who became the first Black millionaire in the South. He also founded Solvent Savings Bank and Trust Company, Memphis’ first African American bank, and created recreational and gathering places for the African American community.

Lois DeBerry (1945-2013) was an African American politician and Civil Rights activist. Lois DeBerry became one of Tennessee’s longest-serving lawmakers and the first African American woman elected Speaker Pro Tempore.

Maxine Smith (1929–2010) was a South Memphis civil rights activist and educator most notable for leading desegregation efforts, organizing “Black Monday” boycotts, and advancing educational equality and Black political power in Memphis.

A.W. Willis Jr. (1925-1988), a prominent civil rights attorney, politician, and entrepreneur, who served as an NAACP lawyer during school desegregation and represented James Meredith, the first Black student admitted to Ole Miss.

Russell Sugarmon Jr. (1929–2013) was born in Center Point, AR, and later lived and worked in Memphis, TN as a lawyer, judge, and politician. He was most notable for becoming the first African American to run for major political office in Memphis, civil rights, and public representation in Tennessee.