Memphis, Tennessee has a rich and complex history when it comes to the African American experience. The city has been a cultural and economic hub for Black Americans since the early 19th century when it served as a major stop on the Underground Railroad.

One of the most significant events in Memphis Black history is the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on April 4, 1968, at the Lorraine Motel. Dr. King was in Memphis to support striking sanitation workers, predominantly African American, who were fighting for better working conditions and fair wages. His assassination had a profound impact on the civil rights movement and the city of Memphis.

Memphis was also a center of music and culture for African Americans during the 20th century, particularly in the development of blues, soul, and gospel music. Legendary musicians such as B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, and Otis Redding all had strong connections to Memphis.

In the realm of civil rights activism, Memphis was the site of significant protests and demonstrations during the 1960s, including the sanitation workers' strike mentioned earlier. Activists like Maxine Smith and Benjamin L. Hooks played key roles in the struggle for racial equality in the city.

Today, Memphis continues to honor its Black history through various cultural institutions, events, and landmarks such as the National Civil Rights Museum at the Lorraine Motel. The city's African American community has left an indelible mark on its past, present, and future.