Railroads, highways and rivers ... all led to Memphis in the 20's and 30's.
To Memphis they bought the people and their music.
Beale Street, just off the docks became the hub of black night life.
It is here that Memphis nurtured the blues, jazz, soul and rock 'n roll!
...but oh Beale Street look at you now?

Oh Memphis downtown! ...now down-turned and down-cast.
Your Mississippi frontage ...all forsaken and forlorn to the last.
Your Main Street warehouses all boarded and bare.
The bustle of your glory days extinguished there.
The spirit of your neighbourhood dwellers diminished.
Torn usunder by urban renewal and demolition. Finished!

But Memphis what is it on your streets this 5th of May?
Marching girls, brass bands and Pageant Queens for the day.
School children. Community Groups. Black youth strutting proudly.
By-standers and families on Main Street should cheer loudly!
This parade is a spirit reborn. Memphis has found new voice!
This is Memphis rekindled. Yes Memphis this May rejoice!

David Stoeckel. 5th May 2001.

Visited The National Civil Rights Museum on Mulberry Street.
It's housed in the Motel where Martin Luther King Jrn. was assassinated.