Orange Mound, Memphis facts for kids
Orange Mound is a special neighborhood in Memphis, Tennessee. It was the very first community in America built by and for African Americans. This historic area was created in the 1890s on what used to be the Deaderick plantation. The idea was to offer affordable land and homes for African American families.
Like many places, Orange Mound faced some tough times in the 1980s and 1990s. But in the early 2000s, people started working hard to make the neighborhood even better. These efforts have brought many positive changes.
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Where is Orange Mound?
Orange Mound is located in southeast Memphis. It's bordered by Semmes Street to the east and Lamar and Kimball Avenues to the south. To the north and west, the Southern Avenue and IC Railroad tracks form the boundary. These tracks also separate Orange Mound from other areas like Belt Line and Midtown.
Who Lives in Orange Mound?
About 14,400 people live in Orange Mound. A large majority, about 95 percent, are of African-American heritage.
A Look Back at Orange Mound's History
From Plantation to Community (1800s)
Orange Mound sits on land that was once the John Deaderick plantation. In the 1820s, John Deaderick bought a huge amount of land (about 5,000 acres or 20 square kilometers). He built a large house there.
In 1890, a developer named Elzey Eugene Meachem bought land from the Deaderick family. He started creating a new community specifically for African Americans. He sold building lots for less than $100, making it possible for many families to own land. The first homes in Orange Mound were often small, narrow "shotgun-style" houses. People say the name "Orange Mound" came from the mock-orange trees or bushes that grew on the old plantation grounds.
Joining the City (1919)
In 1919, the city of Memphis officially added Orange Mound to its boundaries. This process is called annexation.
A Lively Black Community (1970s)
By the 1970s, Orange Mound was known as one of the largest communities of black people in the United States, similar to Harlem in New York City. It became a safe place for black families moving to the city from country areas. Even though the streets were not paved at first, Orange Mound was a very active community. It had a mix of homes, businesses, churches, and cultural places.
However, during the time of desegregation (when laws changed to end racial separation), Orange Mound began to see some changes. Younger residents started to move to other areas.
Making Things Better (2000s)
Since the early 2000s, many groups have worked to improve Orange Mound. One important effort is the Orange Mound Collaborative. This group focuses on "education through empowerment." Their projects include:
- An Early Childhood Institute for young children.
- An oral history project, where they record interviews with older residents. This helps preserve the community's stories.
S.M.A.R.T. Plan (2003)
In 2003, Orange Mound was chosen as one of 21 areas in Memphis for the S.M.A.R.T. Revitalization Plan. This plan is a partnership between public and private groups. Its goal is to create lively neighborhoods in areas that have faced challenges.
Positive Steps (2004)
In 2004, Robert Lipscomb, a director for Memphis's housing division, wrote about the progress in Orange Mound. He mentioned that improvements were made through:
- Enforcing building codes.
- Educating residents.
- Neighborhood cleanup efforts.
Recent Changes (2009-2010)
In 2009, Melrose High School opened its stadium with new, modern features. This was a sign of positive changes in the community. In recent years, challenges have decreased. Alumni from the high school are also getting more involved to help the younger generation.
Orange Mound Community Garden
The Mid-South Peace & Justice Center helped local residents create the Orange Mound Community Garden. People involved with the garden hope it will:
- Make the community more beautiful.
- Provide healthy food.
- Teach leadership skills.
- Encourage people to be more self-reliant.
Orange Mound Tower
In 2021, there were exciting plans announced for an old building in Orange Mound. The United Equipment Building, which was once a feed mill, is set to become a multi-use facility called the Orange Mound Tower. This big project, costing $50 million, is being led by Victoria Jones, an arts organizer, and IMAKEMADBEATS, a music producer. Both have strong ties to Orange Mound.
Orange Mound's Culture
Churches
Churches in Orange Mound have always been very important. They help develop community leaders and keep the neighborhood strong. Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, which has been around since 1926, and Mt Pisgah CME Church, are two key examples. Mt Pisgah CME Church even helped activists during the Civil Rights Movement.
Music
Orange Mound is known for its music scene. It has a growing underground rap community and has produced national hip-hop stars. The famous rap duo 8 Ball & MJG (Premro Smith and Marlon Jermain Goodwin) grew up in Orange Mound.
Literature
The neighborhood is also the setting for a novel called Orange Mound. It was written by author Jay Fingers, who grew up there.
Education
Melrose High School and Dunbar Elementary School are important parts of Orange Mound. They are sources of pride for the community. On Fridays during football season, people gather at Melrose Stadium to cheer on the Golden Wildcats.
The "Mayor" of Orange Mound
Tyler Glover, who runs Tyler's Place restaurant, was once known as the "Mayor of Orange Mound." His restaurant was even called the official "city hall." He once gave the real Mayor of Memphis an orange "key to Orange Mound." Tyler Glover's words show how much long-time residents love their community: "This is the greatest community in the world.... I don't want to live any other place than Orange Mound." Later, Jason Smith was elected as "Mayor" in 2007.
