Southern Heritage Classic Halftime Show / Battle of the Bands

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“The Sonic Boom of the South from Jackson State University and the Aristocrat of Bands from Tennessee State University perform for Southern Heritage Classic halftime show at Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium in Memphis on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019.”
Collage Dance Collective dancers perform the majestic second act of Swan Lake at the Cannon Center For The Performing Arts in Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Collage Dance Collective dancers perform the majestic second act of Swan Lake at the Cannon Center For The Performing Arts in Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Return To Dance

Collage Dance Collective is a professional ballet company and conservatory, based in Memphis

Collage Dancers during a break session after performing the majestic second act of Swan Lake at the Cannon Center For The Performing Arts in Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

Collage Dancers during a break session after performing the majestic second act of Swan Lake at the Cannon Center For The Performing Arts in Memphis, Tenn., on Wednesday, November 11, 2020.

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Protesters demanding police reform in the wake of the death of Tyre Nichols shut down the Interstate 55 bridge connecting Tennessee and Arkansas Friday night. Footage of the events leading to Nichols' death had been released earlier in the evening, prompting the demonstrations in Memphis and around the country.

 
 
 

At East End Skating Center

Sunday nights are for skating, style, soul

Myia Jones and her partner Kelon Pilate skate and perform tricks during Adult Night at East End Skating Center on Sunday May 23, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. The weekly adult skate nights attract skaters from various parts of the city.

Myia Jones and her partner Kelon Pilate skate and perform tricks during Adult Night at East End Skating Center on Sunday May 23, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. The weekly adult skate nights attract skaters from various parts of the city.

A group of women pose portrait during Adult Night at East End Skating Center on Sunday May 23, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. The weekly adult skate nights attract skaters from various parts of the city.

A group of women pose portrait during Adult Night at East End Skating Center on Sunday May 23, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. The weekly adult skate nights attract skaters from various parts of the city.

A woman is seen skating during Adult Night at East End Skating Center on Sunday May 23, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. The weekly adult skate nights attract skaters from various parts of the city.

A woman is seen skating during Adult Night at East End Skating Center on Sunday May 23, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. The weekly adult skate nights attract skaters from various parts of the city.

“It used to be where your parents taught you how to skate...but now a lot of kids are coming because of social media”
— Ben Rhyne

The Black joy and soul seen on the rink comes from a rich history with civil rights-era roots and legacy.

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Behind the creation of Ida B. Wells statue on Beale Street

Andrea Lugar of the Lugar Bronze Foundry in Eads, Tenn., sculpts the statue of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, the African American civil rights advocate and journalist who fought against racism, segregation and lynching, at her home studio on Friday, March 15, 2021.

Andrea Lugar of the Lugar Bronze Foundry in Eads, Tenn., sculpts the statue of Ida B. Wells-Barnett, the African American civil rights advocate and journalist who fought against racism, segregation and lynching, at her home studio on Friday, March 15, 2021.

The Commercial Appeal followed the process of Ida B. Wells-Barnett's statue throughout 2021. The statue was created by Andrea Lugar and made possible with the help of her family and the rest of the artisans at the Lugar Bronze Foundry in Eads, Tennessee.

The statue stands on the corner of Beale Street and South Fourth Street, next to First Baptist Beale Street Church, and was unveiled on Friday, July 16.

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