Memphis, Tennessee, has a rich and complex history when it comes to the African American experience. One significant event in Black history in Memphis was the assassination of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968. Dr. King was in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers, who were predominantly African American, and was shot on the balcony of the Lorraine Motel. Following Dr. King's assassination, Memphis experienced a period of unrest and mourning, but his legacy continued to inspire civil rights activism in the city and beyond.

Memphis was also a prominent city in the music industry, particularly in the development of blues, soul, and later, hip-hop music. African American musicians such as B.B. King, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, and Aretha Franklin all made significant contributions to these genres and helped shape the cultural landscape of Memphis.

In addition, Memphis has a strong tradition of activism and community organizing within the African American community. Organizations such as the NAACP, the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), and the National Civil Rights Museum have all played important roles in advancing the struggle for civil rights and racial equality in the city.

Overall, Memphis has a complex and multifaceted Black history that includes moments of triumph and tragedy, but also resilience and strength in the face of adversity.