For Robert Mims Memphis, TN is one of the greatest cities in the world. Although he moved to Louisville, KT to go to university and later took on a CFO job here, it is still in the Memphis community that he feels most at home. Indeed, this is why, every August for the past several years, he has fired up his old engine and drove down to Memphis again. So what is it that makes this city so special?
Why for Robert Mims Memphis is Amazing
One of the key things that sets Memphis apart is that it is always in the news for music. It is said to be the birthplace of country, gospel, rock and roll, and blues, laying the foundation for much of modern music. The king of rock, the kind of blues, and the kind of country (Elvis Presley, BB King, and Johnny Cash) have all been cited as playing in Memphis, and some even say this is where they found their fame. Other artists include Roy Orbison, Al Green, Jerry Lee Lewis, John Lee Hooker, and Aretha Franklin.
However, there is more to Memphis than music. Some 650,000 people live here, with a predominantly African—American population, representing around 60% of its inhabitants. But there are also Caucasians, Native Americans, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Asians, and so on. Unfortunately, 17% of families in this city live below the poverty line. This is perhaps also why a recent report cited above average levels in people who shoplift and who face arrest because they steal something.
Memphis in May is one of the city’s biggest festivals, lasting an entire month. It has had a huge impact on the city’s education and economy. It starts with the Beale Street Music Festival at Tom Lee Park, something that Robert Mims tries to always attend. Furthermore, Memphis hosts Internal Week, in which a certain foreign country is celebrated each year. This is done in an effort to raise culture awareness among youths. Other festivals include the professional golf FedEx St. Jude Classic and the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest. At the end of the festival, the Sunset Symphony performs, one of the many musical clubs in the city.
Robert Mims also always tries to make the Memphis Cotton Carnival, also known as the Carnival Memphis. This happens in early summer, however, so he sometimes has to miss it. As a guideline, this festival is all about acknowledging the different important elements of the city. And, during fall, the Mid-South Fair takes place, another festival that Mims likes to be present at but, unfortunately, often has to miss.
In August 2005, Hurricane Katrine struck New Orleans. To help the city, Memphis became co-host to the Voodoo Music Experience, working together with New Orleans. Through this festival, many musicians came together, congregating in the Riverview Park in New Orleans, and Tom Lee Park in Memphis. This was a huge success and really showed the heart of the city, but also its solidarity with the rest of the country.
